Kaieteur News

Guyana uses part of US$20M World Bank loan to pay

Exxon’s offshore driller to develop reservoir software

The Government of objective is to ensure the framework and stakeholder Guyana has used US$ enhancement of legal and engagement, aims to support 998,489 from its US$20M institutionalframeworksand the update of Guyana’s legal World Bank loan to pay an the strengthening of the and regulatory frameworks ExxonMobil contractor to capacity of key institutions for the governance and d e v e l o p A n a l y t i c a l to manage the oil and gas oversight of the sector as Geoscience and Reservoir sector well as support stakeholder EngineeringSoftware. A Financing Agreement e n g a g e m e n t a n d

According to the Bank, in the amount of US$20 t r a n s p a r e n c y T h i s the contract was signed on million was signed and component includes two October 11, 2022 with declared effective on April subcomponents: update the Schlumberger Guyana Inc., 11, 2019 under the David legal and regulatory oneofExxon’stopclientsfor Grangeradministration. frameworks for the sector, oilserviceshere. K a i e t e u r N e w s and support stakeholder

Thecontractdidnotgoto understands that the project e n g a g e m e n t a n d open tender Schlumberger, has four components transparency the world’s largest offshore C o m p o n e n t - A

The second component drilling company, was Enhancement of Legal on the capacity building of keyinstitutionsincludesfour subcomponents: support immediatetechnicalneedsat key institutions with responsibilityforoilandgas, support critical training needsatkeyinstitutionswith responsibility for the sector, build up petroleum data management,andstrengthen environmental and social management.

The third component is the enhancement of fiscal directlyselectedforthetask. Framework and Stakeholder management.

It is expected that the Engagement: (US$3.20 M);

Finally, the fourth softwarewillhelpGuyanato Component – B Capacity component gives proper ensure that the geological, Building of Key Institutions m a n a g e m e n t a n d geophysical and reservoir : ( U S $ 1 0 7 0 M ) ; coordination of all project engineering data provided C o m p o n e n t - C activities financed under the by Exxon can be validated, Enhancement of Fiscal project. utilized,ormonetized. Management Systems :(

More specifically, it Kaieteur News had U S $ 3 5 0 M ) ; a n d provides support and builds previously reported that the Component - D Project the Government’s systems US$20M loan was approved Management & Project for procurement and on March 29, 2019 for the Preparation Facilities :( Cost financial management, G u y a n a P e t r o l e u m $2.60M). while allowing for the Resources Governance and F o r e x p l a n a t o r y i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f Management Project p u r p o s e s , t h e f i r s t safeguards for proper (GPRGMP). component being for the management,monitoring. The programme’s enhancement of legal

Growth for Regional economies pegged at 3.7% for 2022

In a context of external the monetary policy has slowed, reflecting, on uncertainties and domestic r e s p o n s e s a d o p t e d the one hand, an end to the restrictions, the countries of worldwide in 2022, in a rebound effect on the Latin America and the context of rising global recovery from 2021, and on Caribbean will grow by inflation, have sparked the other, the effects of 3.7% in 2022, just over half greater financial volatility restrictive monetary of the 6.7% rate recorded in and increased risk aversion, policies, greater limitations 2021. and have thereby prompted on fiscal spending, lower

It is estimated that the fewer capital flows to levels of consumption and deceleration in economic emerging economies, investment, and the growth will intensify in including the region’s deterioration of the external 2023, giving rise to a 1.3% economies. But the context. rate. According to its reduction in global inflation The report emphasizes Preliminary Overview of expectedin2023willtendto that the labour market the Economies of Latin moderate monetary policy recovery process underway America and the Caribbean rate hikes by the main in the first half of 2022 did 2022 – unveiled by the c e n t r a l b a n k s , t h e notallowforeliminatingthe Executive Secretary of the organizationadds. traditional gaps between Economic Commission for The document indicates menandwomenexhibitedin Latin America and the thatafterthedynamismseen indicators such as the labour Caribbean (ECLAC), José in the first half of 2022, the forceparticipationrateand Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs

region’s economic activity

GPL, NAACIE agree to 7% salary increase for workers

Following an arduous increase in the actual salary, manages to take into and extensive negotiation the agreement affords considerationtheneedsofits process, the Guyana Power several other incentives to employees. “The board of and Light (GPL) and the further motivate employees, directorsandmanagementof National Association of including improvements in GPL, notwithstanding that Agricultural, Commercial, allowances Acting Chief challenge, recognises the and Industrial Employees Executive Officer of GPL, n e e d t o t a k e i n t o (NAACIE) on Thursday Renford Homer, noted that considerationthedesiresand signed a collective labour the negotiation process was expectations,tosomeextent, agreement that will see over not without its challenges. of employees, and tried its 70 percent of GPL However, he said both besttomakeanoffer Itisone employees benefitting from parties have managed to that was considered a seven per cent salary arrive at an amicable affordable and palatable,” increase. agreement in the interest of Homer pointed out. He also

The simple signing consolidation. indicated that another cycle ceremony was guided by “I think the negotiation of negotiations will Chief Labour Officer, leading up to where we are commence soon GPL’s Dhaneshwar Deonarine, and today was one that embraces H u m a n R e s o u r c e s the management of both professional maturity and Divisional Director, Bal organisations at the Labour mutual respect,” he said. Persaud,NAACIE’sGeneral Ministry’s Boardroom Moreover, he stressed that President, Whitney Graham, N A A C I E ’s G e n e r a l despite the financial and representatives from Secretary, Dawchan Nagar difficulties GPL has been both entities were also in said, in addition to the facing, the company attendanceatthesigning.

NAACIE General President Whitney Graham handing over a signed agreement to GPL’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Renford Homer

The simple signing ceremony was held in the Labour Ministry’s Boardroom

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NIGELWILLIAMS

Editor-In-Chief: Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210

EDITORIAL

PROTESTS:THEPOWEROFTHEPEOPLE

When governments get oppressive, some of the people band together and become expressive. Sometimes, they have no choice, so overbearing their circumstances have become. Their choices reduced to two: sit on their hands quietlyandcomplacently,anddonothingforthemselves,or stand up and speak out for themselves and their interests. When this is left to an unhearing government and arrogant leaders,nothinghelpful,nothingpositive,everemerges.

Thefirstthingthatwewishtomakeunequivocallyclear aboutprotestisthis:protestsmustbepeacefultohavesome chanceofencouragingresults.

We urge our readers to look back at history, and how MohandasGandhiandMartinLutherKingwentabouttheir protestactions,andhowmuchtheyachievedusingpeaceful platformsinthefaceofintenseprovocations,andrelentless physical brutalities from officials. Also, protests must be well-organized,andwelldisciplined,iftheissuesandvisions that prompted them are to come to some sort of fruition. Protests of any other kind do not have our backing, do not have much chance of long-term success and, in fact, inflict moredamagethangood.

The Iranians went out into the streets of Teheran and made their numbers and voices register in the ears of tyrannicalmen,andtheywererewardedwithabitofanease. TheIranianGovernmentdisbandeditsmoralitypolice,and openedatinywindowforsomelightandfreshairtoseepinto the lives of their citizens, who had nothing left to lose. Whateveritisthatfollowsinthenextfewmonthscannotbe assuffocatingaswhatwastherebefore,andespeciallyasit wasfeltbyIranianwomen.

This is what happens when people can’t take what the Statedumpsonthemanymore. Thereisalessoninthisfor Guyanesebeingtoldendlessfalsehoodsbydeviousleaders, relative to their mineral resources’ wealth, and how their budgetedmoniesarespent.

In China, a repressive and near totalitarian State, the government imposed a harsh and intolerable lockdown in some of its heavily populated provinces. After a while the Chinesepeoplewereleftwithnochoicebuttostandupand speakoutintheirdefense,tohighlighttheadditionalburdens heapeduponthembythetoughlockdown. Itisamostfeared undertaking, an uphill fight, for Chinese citizens to get any inchofconcessionfromtheChineseGovernment,whichis thelongstandingstandard.

ButprotestshavepromptedChineseauthoritiestogivea littlegroundinZhengzhou,UrumqiintherestlessXinjiang region, and with other cities set to experience more relief fromtheCOVID-19restrictions,describedasdraconian. In Syria,theDruzemajorityinthecityofSweidaareoutinthe streetsprotestingagainstharsheconomicconditions.

InSriLankaseveralmonthsago,protesterskeptapplying relentless pressure on the government, about its corrupt practices favoring family and friends, while shortages and crippling cost-of-living conditions left citizens hungry and angry Senior members of the Rajapaksa government were forcedtoresign,thenhehimselffled.

The point of these examples of people exercising their righttoprotestintherightway(withSyrianewanddifferent, andsomeoftheothersstillinprogress)isthatwhencitizens exercise their freedoms in the most constructive manner possible, they usually end up with some movement in the rightdirection.

For sure, it takes long; calls for sacrifices, for governments all over can be just as determined to maintain theiroldcruelandcrookedways. InGuyana,thepeoplehere can never be truly said to have had a government that has been about what is in the best interests of all the people. Though the words and postures of leaders have been about whatisnothinglessthanthebestforthepeople,theiractions confirm them to be the worst of deceivers. Now oil has brought out the absolute worst from leaders in the PPPC Government. It is now up to the Guyanese have to decide whethertheywillcontinuetoallowgovernmentandleaders todismissthemasfoolsandpawns,oriftheywillstandupin protest in the best traditions of getting what is government forthepeople.

Agriculture on the move, heading for great things

DEAREDITOR, processing unit is a perfect initiatives are not new for exported to Trinidad and The $37M agro- example and manifestation this Government, because Tobago,Barbados,andother processing facility recently of the trajectory of the when you look at the plans countries in the Eastern commissioned at Fort country fortheagriculturesector,the Caribbean.” Wellington is a great omen Editor, the hope is high plans that were detailed in In closing, I will just indeed.Thedetailsshowthat indeed, as this huge the PPP/C’s manifesto, it make a few general “The People’s Progressive investment will see stated that Guyana has to comments, and hopefully, Party/Civic (PPP/C) approximately 700 persons, move the sector from a these will reinforce my Government of Guyana, in including farmers, agro- primary productive sector to message that Guyana is an effort to further processors, women, youth, one with value-added really heading in the right commercialise value-added and other stakeholders from capabilities.” direction For one, agroproduction through agro- Regions Five and Six As a passing note, I add industries have the potential processing, has been benefiting from improved thatthiskindofprogressand to provide employment for working to establish agro- services, geared at upgrade means that, we can theruralpopulationnotonly processing facilities across increasing the value and all, as Guyanese, grow in in farming, but also in offthecountry.” extending the shelf life of confidence regarding the farm activities such as Forexample,backinJuly their products. The country leadership of the nation. On handling, packaging, ofthisyear,PresidentAlidid cannot afford wastage, and the bigger stage, and as processing, transporting and toutthat“Guyana’seconomy this facility will be a big Minister Mustapha put it, marketing of food and willnotdependsolelyonoil boost in harnessing so many Caricomcannowbegintobe agricultural products andgas”Hedidexplain,and products that normally end more optimistic in terms of Secondly, all must bear in many times too, that “While upinthedumps. reducingitsfoodimportbill, mind that agro-processing Guyana is rapidly evolving Inthisregard,Itakenote as more locally-made increases food security by asanoil-and-gasmarket,the that it is aptly “… outfitted products are being exported promoting reduction of food nation’s economy will not with the necessary to countries in the Region. spoilage and wastage, and depend solely on the equipment to process and Succinct and profound agro-processed foods treasured natural resource packageapproximately4320 indeed are the words of the encounter higher price f o r c o u n t r y - w i d e litres of green seasoning (of Ministerwhenhestatedthat, stabilityontheglobalmarket development. The point, all types) and 3600 litres of “When you look around the and are therefore likely to accordingtohim,isthat“… peppersaucemonthly,andis Caribbean, our produce are have increase market the funds, from oil will be designed to offer 24-hour indemand. Weareworking opportunities for exports, used to unlock the potential service as well as a to remove all the non-tariff contributing to income of several areas which mechanisation process to barriersthatwerepreventing securities, particularly in existed for a long time, but reduceoperationalcosts.” our products from entering ruralareas. were stagnant due to lack of And I remind, yet again, those markets. We are now Yourstruly, resources ” So, this agro all Guyana, that “These seeing more products being H.Singh.

PresidentAli insults Kuwait, Qatar and UAE on cash transfers to their citizens

DEAREDITOR, $607 Million. The NRF Act Transfers,MaleKWD1,000 berepaidover25yearswith Reported in Demerara 2021cameintooperationon = USD $3,270; Female 50% writeoff=USD$164, Waves on 15 November, 1stJanuary2022,andaspart KWD 500 = USD $1,635; 705) this is for married 2022, addressing a of the Budget 2022 process, andEachChildKWD250= universitygraduates.Qataris reception at the United Parliamentary approval was USD $818: Kuwait values with less than a bachelor’s K i n g d o m H i g h granted for a total of very importantly its citizens degree get 60% of the land Commissioner’s residence US$607 6 million to be whoaretheownersofitsoil size and loan (USD inhonourofaBritishtrade transferredduringfiscalyear andgaswealth.Inadditionto $197,646writeoff). and investment mission, 2022 Guyana’s 210,000 free education, health, and UAEforEmiratis the President disagreed with households at USD $1,000: heavilysubsidizedgroceries. With ID card, facilitates, the opposition Working peryearwillamounttoUSD QATARforQataris f r e e L A N D , f r e e People’s Alliance (WPA) $210Million,forastart,and Being rich has become a EDUCATION, free four-yearoldproposalthatat is doable in oil and gas rich birthright for native Qataris. WEDDING, free hospital leastGY$1millionshouldbe Guyana These resources’ T h e g o v e r n m e n t care, free FUNERAL paid, given to each Guyanese per riches are Guyanese wealth, redistributes money from its including an air-conditioned year. ”Don’t tell me and they should share in it, resources to citizens, TENT within 5 hours of nonsense about giving equally, and this is, real resulting in the record death,nexttoEmiratihome. every household a million democracy to share in the $88,221 GDP per capita. Whenachildisborn,parents dollars from oil, money. It wealth given by God They also receive free pay nothing for 9 months; doesn’t work anywhere,” Almighty For 2022, electricity, health care and University degree he said. Oil money for Guyana’s Natural Resource other benefits. 500, 000 programmes are free, upon business initiatives in Fund (NRF) account has Qatari Rial (USD $ 136, marriageUSD$20,000:fora Guyana, Diaspora- Pres. already broken the US$1 750:) annually to citizens. wedding reception, Grant to Ali – Demerara Waves billion mark, according to Qatar government provides build a home with ZERO OnlineNews-Guyana the Bank of Guyana (BoG), the following toALLQatari interest,surgeryoverseasfor

With all due respect, at the end of September citizens, no tax; free free, many discounts and President Ali, is insulting 2022 Guyana’s Natural electricity & water for caretakerwhensick. Kuwait, Qatar, and UAE, as Resource Fund Account primary residence; free Onward &Upward these nations do use “cash breaksUS$1billionmark| healthcare; free education; towards “One People, One transfers” for their citizens’ OilNOW USD $3,000 monthly salary Nation,OneDestiny.” well-being, with remarkable Kuwait, Qatar, and UAE for qualified Qataris in need Yoursfaithfully, successes, which can be started their assistances to of assistance (elderly, Professor Dr Shamir A. experienced when a foreign citizensbetweentwotothree divorced, widow, orphans, Ally visitorvisitsthesecountries, yearsaftertheiroilwealth. etc.); Every Qatari is also Former Ambassador to talk with knowledgeable KUWAITforKuwaitis guaranteed a job; plus free Kuwait2016-2020 Ambassadors, or do their Oil & Gas Wealth to plot of land (1,000 SQM = F i r s t A l t e r n

research. Year 2021 Guyana Kuwaitis, with ID Cards, 0.24711Acres) and QR. 1.2 G o v e r n o r I s l a

received in the National which facilitates Automatic, million = (USD $ 329, 410) Development Bank 2017Resource Fund (NRF) USD Monthly, Bank Wire interest free housing loan to 2020

National

& PublishingCompany

Guyana’s carbon credit economics and human security

FITUG condemns attack on Presidential residence

DEAREDITOR, heroismofthesecuritydetail

The Federation of which sprung into action to IndependentTradeUnionsof ensure that the situation was Guyana (FITUG) like many quickly brought under Guyanese was horrified to control. It is a testimony to learn of the attack earlier the training and skills of our today (December 15, 2022) menandwomeninuniform. on the official residence of The FITUG like many HisExcellencyPresidentDr Guyanese wonders what Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The could be the motivations for FITUG was gladdened to theattack.Wedotrustitisan learn that the President and isolated incident and not his family were safe and we connectedtoanylargerplot. arewishingafullandspeedy Atthistime,wejoinwithall recovery to the officer who Guyanese in praying for was injured during the peace and tranquility for all melee. citizens.

We are also must Regards, recognise the bravery and FITUG

DEAREDITOR, underdevelopment, and neoliberalism usually Agenda for Sustainable emissions. economics is based on the In 1994, the UNDP global human welfare include corporate Development(establishedin The IPCC has noted that convergence of factors produced what must be the especiallyinthepoorerparts globalization that is 2015) have emphasized the while the rate of GHG outlined above. The crux of mostconsequentialreportby oftheworld,weresecondary exploitative. In order to linkages among economic emissions slowed down our model is to enhance a UN agency in the post- to the high politics of improvehumansecurity,and w e l l - b e i n g a n d between 2010-2019, national development while 1945 multilateral universe. interstate competition in order to jettison the e n v i r o n m e n t a l “[w]ithout immediate and simultaneously contributing The report introduced a expressedfirstinthebalance privileges given to ‘national sustainability The former deep emissions reductions to global efforts in dealing paradigmatic shift in of power, and then the security’, narrowly defined, registered only partial across all sectors, limiting withclimatechange. security and development balanceofterrorwhichcame the UNDP envisaged success, and the latter is in global warming to 1.5°C is In a follow up article, I through the overarching with the advent of nuclear investing in human serious trouble due to the beyondreach”. will show how Guyana’s concept of human security weapons and their strategic development rather than pandemic,war,geographical At the same time Vida carbon economics, at the Thegistofthenewparadigm deployment The 1994 arms Empowering and sectoral imbalances in Carbon, a leading carbon nationallevel,willenableus is sustainable human UNDP Report turned the multilateral institutions to development financing, and investment company has toaddressthegoalssetoutin development. problematic of security up- “promote and sustain predictable crises in the determinedthat“[e]conomic theUN’sAgenda2030,with I suggest that human side-down Three major development” , and worldeconomy models predict that the LCDS as the leading security as the anchoring shifts occurred Firstly, expansion of the forms of Itisimportanttonotethat voluntary carbon markets edge. concept in sustainable human beings instead of capital inflow with less “[s]o far, onlyfivecountries areexpectedtoincrease15x Sincerely human development is most statesshouldbethe‘referent stress on aid, was also have met or exceeded the by 2030 and 100x by 2050, Dr. Randolph B. apposite to Guyana object’ofsecurity emphasized. targetsetbytheUNGeneral with growth projections of Persaud Whereveronemightstandin The new referent object It is noteworthy that Assembly in 1970 for politics, ideology, or party in this case means that previous reports had developed countries to give affiliation, I recommend we individuals and their emphasizedtherelationships 0.7%oftheirGNIinODA.” consider the substantive communities should be the among development and Guyana is and has been points related to a human- primary targets of physical e n v i r o n m e n t a l well ahead of the security driven paradigm, protection and socio- sustainability The development-sustainability underpinned as it were by economic advancement BrundtlandReport(1987)of curve, due to our LCDS our LCDS. Readers should Gender inclusion and the World Commission of approach to development, know that the two leading empowerment are key E n v i r o n m e n t a n d and its associated economic thinkers behind the human components in this pillar of Development, for instance, models. Our carbon sink securityparadigmwerefrom human security Secondly, observed that “[t]he credit model is based on a the Third World, namely rather than conceiving downward spiral of poverty complex of factors MahbubulHaqandAmartya threats as coming from and environmental comprising of the urgent Sen, both economists external sources only, degradation is a waste of n e e d f o r c a r b o n ProfessorSenwontheNobel internal threats to human opportunities and of sequestration, and the Prize in economics in 1998, welfareshouldalsobetaken resources.” equally urgent need for and Dr Haq served as the into consideration The The report appropriately development financing to Minister of Finance in sources of threat here could titled“OurCommonFuture” addresstheclearandpresent Pakistan and was a world- be from undemocratic, statedthat“[w]hatisneeded danger emanating from renowned development authoritarian states, and/or is a new era of economic climatechange. economist Two key groups within a country that growth - growth that is The model has elements components in the human cultivatefear,instability,and forcefulandatthesametime of national (economic) security paradigm, freedom violence. s o c i a l l y a n d interests, multilateral efforts from fear and freedom from Thirdly, while military e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y atclimatechangemitigation want,haveoriginsinaState threats are significant at the sustainable.” and adaptations, and the up to US$180 billion of the Union Speech to the inter-state level, there are Robust multilateral need for innovative ways in a n n u a l l y b y US Congress by President other sources of threats to agendas including the balancingenergyproduction 2030 https://vidacarbon co Franklin D. Roosevelt on c o m m u n i t i e s a n d Millennium Development while reducing or m/carbon-markets/. January6,1942. individuals. These include Goals (2000) and the 2030 ‘offsetting’ carbon Our carbon credit The restructuring of endangerment from global world order after the fall of phenomena such as climate the Soviet Union partly changeandglobaleconomic precipitated the emergence inequality,tosmallarmsand of human security as a light weapons proliferation, central articulating idea or the trafficking of women During the Cold War, and girls in the global sex e c o n o m i c industry Critics of

Govt, United Nations recommit to continued collaboration towards the achievement of SDGs

The Government of Senior Finance Minister Dr to continue to provide this Guyana (GOG) and the Ashni Singh acknowledged assistance and further UnitedNations(UN)System theworkoftheUNCountry affirmed that the UN hosted a Joint National Team in collaboration with mandate should be aligned Steering Committee (JNSC) that of the Government of withcountries’priorities. meeting on Wednesday as Guyana.Healsohighlighted Speakingatthemeeting, part of an ongoing the material support and United Nations Resident collaboration between the technical advisory services Coordinator, Ms Yeºim two sides to advance the as the most beneficial types Oruç stated that the UN 2030AgendaforSustainable of assistance provided to system is proud of its DevelopmentinGuyana. Guyana over the years. On cooperation and work with

The Joint National s u m m i n g u p t h e the Government and people Steering Committee is the Government and the UN’s of Guyana in all dimensions highest decision-making longstanding collaboration, of Guyana’s progress forum, in Guyana that Dr Singh reaffirmed towards achieving the provides policy guidance on Guyana’s continued Sustainable Development matters pertaining to the commitment to working Goals and ‘leaving no one U N - G O G C o u n t r y with the United Nations behind’. Implementation Plan (CIP) towards the achievement of “Today,wetookstockof and its alignment with the 2030 Sustainable our work in 2022 We national development DevelopmentGoals. anticipate great progress priorities as well as regional Deliveringremarksatthe towards global targets in a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l forum, Minister of 2023. We discussed where development agendas, the Parliamentary Affairs and and how the technical MinistryofFinancestatedin Governance, Gail Teixeira expertise and multilateral apressrelease. highlighted the critical reach of the UN has most to

The CIP operationalises assistance provided by UN offer towards this progress the UN Caribbean Multi- agencies to Guyana in some here in Guyana, regionally Country Sustainable of the most needed times and globally,” added Ms. Development Cooperation including during public Oruç. Also participating in Framework, which was health challenges, in the person and virtually were signed on December 10, fight against domestic Heads and Representatives 2021,inGeorgetown. violence and other related of UN Agencies, Funds and

During the meeting, areas. She called on the UN Programmes.

‘It will not be patchwork’

DEAREDITOR, on the East Bank critical works that will

Itgivesmenopleasureto thoroughfare significantly significantly improve the ever tell any media entity reduced. commuting experience of howtodoitswork,however, Inresponse,theMinistry many For example, this latest article, “$803 acceleratedaplantoupgrade communities in Grove, such million to patch East Bank the main streets within the as Samatta Point, will Demerara Roads, published Diamond and Grove become accessible from the in Thursday’s Kaieteur Housing Schemes to soon-to-be-developed newspaper is untruthful and function as an alternative accesses,andthuscontribute very misleading to the bypass of the Grove area. to enhanced traffic flow generalpublic. The scope of works of these along the East Bank

Itismyutmosthopethat projects includes the DemeraraPublicRoad. this was simply a mistake upgrading of Back Street Therefore, to say the and not intended to cast Diamond, Third Avenue Government of Guyana, aspersion on the Ministry of Diamond, First Bridge through the Ministry of PublicWorks. Access Road at Grove Public Works, is spending Currently, the Ministry Housing Scheme, and the $803 million to patch East has embarked on a series of construction of a bridge at Bank roads, is simply poor infrastructural works to the end of First Bridge journalistic practice, or an essentially improve traffic Access Road in the Grove outright pursuit to mislead efficiency, reduce Section. the people of Guyana which congestion and enhance The works will include can also be viewed as an safety for all categories of the widening, and attackonmyMinistryandits road users along the construction of concrete officers. Diamond/Grove, East Bank drains and pedestrian I do hope that this is Demeraracorridor walkways along the corrected.

These projects were identified sections of roads. Regards, conceptualised based on the The ministry will be JuanEdghill outcryofcommuterstohave spending approximately Minister of Public the issue of long wait times GYD $803 million on these Works

Broomes seen as good choice for General Secretary of PNCR

DEAREDITOR, stranglehold over the PNCR General Secretary of the ThePPPislaughingatus andrunsitasifithispersonal PNCR will be Simona in the PNC while heaping property (I don’t agree with Broomes. I do not think our scorn on our executives in the rumours), many, it is supportersandmemberswill theparty said, are afraid to speak out, accepttheLeader’sdecision

Before composing this advise or challenge the to make former minister of article, I ensured I reached Leader government,DawnHastings outtomanyofourgrassroots It is entirely the remit of the new GS. Democracy in supporters - some known theLeadertodecideonwho the party requires that the media personalities and willbeGeneralSecretarybut Leader listen to our other notable Guyanese in that doesn’t extend to his supporters, members and politicstohaveafeelofwhat choice being in direct others who care and are theythinkwithregardtothe opposition to our grassroots concerned about the party’s matterathand. supporters’ view of who welfareandsuccess.

I have no concern with would be most suitable for Broomes cannot be how the PPP feel about the that important and critical bullied or controlled by inner happenings in our positionatthisjuncture. anyone. She has a proven party, the PNCR. Nepotism TheLeadercandecideto track record in the party and and cronyism in the PPP is go against the will of our is very popular not only rife.ThePPPpretendtoelect members and supporters but among our supporters but its executive body but we there may be far reaching also Guyanese in general. I know they are all there on a repercussions and his knowvoiceswillbeliftedin selectionbasis. electoralviabilityatthenext a rallying cry for her to

T h i s w r i t e r ’ s Congress could be assumethepositionofGSin i n t e r v e n t i o n a n d negativelyaffected. our party The PNCR will involvementinseeinganew I know for a fact that becomeagreaterforcetobe Leader of the PNCR was GeetaChandanEdmondwas reckonedwithifsheisGS.I premised almost entirely on pressured out of that genuinely believe that the decision of our position. I will not delve Norton is being scrutinised grassrootssupporters. further to explain, (that by many with regard to the

It would have been remains an internal party belief that he wants people impossible to break and issue) I know that any he is comfortable with and discard the old guard in the organisation of substance can have complete leverage partywithoutactivismbeing will have as its General over While Broomes will centredontheempowerment Secretary someone that is never fall into that bracket, of our supporters to decide. independent minded, the two will be pillars on Nothing else could be decisive, strong willed and which the PNCR will stand considered more of a known, respected and firmly on My personal democracyinthatregard. admired by members and political position is very

Itisunacceptableforour supporters. Our supporters, clear here. Broomes for the partytobewithoutanactive media personalities and GS of our great party, the General Secretary for four p o p u l a r p o l i t i c a l PNCR. months Amidst heavy commentators have said to Sincerely rumoursthattheLeaderhasa me that the best choice for NormanBrowne

Freddie seems good at ‘sand dancing’

DEAREDITOR,

therefore say if he is being Freddie must write that BecauseIhavethetime,I disrespectful supporting this underAli’s watch, we are in read the feature columns of move to dictatorship. If you themidstofthehorrorsofthe two independent papers, have,thePresidentwhofeels PoliceState. KaieteurNewsandStabroek there is no need for The killing of Boston at News Today, I was meaningful consultation Dartmouth,therefusalbythe disappointed and how then you are supporting an Government to accept help horrified I was about two unhealthydictatorship. to identify the killers of the thingsintheFreddieKissoon ButFreddieseemedgood Henry’s cousins in West Column. First,howdarehim atwhattheboyswouldsay‘a CoastBerbice,thesilenceon attack the Stabroek News sand dancing.’ If his good the President’s refusal to Editorial, whose writings friend Charrandass Persaud consult on the appointment have always been was not captured being of the Chancellor and Chief intelligently constructed and disrespectful to an Indian Justice, the awards of have always given wise lady in New Delhi, his good contracts to contractors who advice to citizens and in friend would have been areblacklistedfortheirpoor other circumstances, the labeledaSaintbyFreddie. performance and the waste question of visas addressed On this sordid matter, ofStatefunds. in support of the Editorial Freddie must say publicly

So we now have a full andworthyofconsideration. why only after Charrandass’ Police State Freddie, the

Second,Freddiehasnow abuse is revealed one year Chief Citizen is being publicly given support to after, he is recalled by arrested at City Hall for President Ali and his President Ali The expressing a view shared by Administration. propaganda gurus defending many of us and we’re told

He even suggested that President Ali claimed the that democracy allows for Aliisnotboundtoconsulton President was unaware of free speech and expression important national issues. I this incident. There is Lord of views. There are other am surprised Freddie ought Nelson’s famous calypso - matters, but for now, I await to know there is a moral, KingLiar,inacompetitionto Freddie’s comments on the legal and constitutional see who would be crowned above. requirementforPresidentAli the best liar- “you hear lie, Regards to consult. Freddie must thatislie.”

Officials at the meeting between the Government of Guyana and the United Nations

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IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL…REALLY?

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Senior members of the media yesterday took the Guyana Police Force Public Relations Department to task over its limp response to the breaching of State House by a Nigerian National during which a member of the Presidential Guard was stabbed several times and another disarmed by the intruder.

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In normal jurisdictions, we would have gotten a serious press statement, not the hastily put together drivel that was sent out by the PR unit.

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In normal jurisdictions, the President would have made a statement to the nation, not going to a private sector fete on the night of the incident. In normal jurisdictions, the Commissioner of Police would have held a news conference to brief the media properly on the incident and their immediate assessment of the circumstances, not hosting an awards ceremony to reward cops - some of whom do not even deserve the accolades. But we are living a republic that is bereft of good leadership so anything could happen. We wish the wounded police officer, Telon Perreira, a speedy recovery.

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“I gon kill you” PNCR General Secretary and Treasurer resign

…Robberysuspectshoutsatex-girlfriend incourt,afterremandedtoprison

“You gon dead girl, you question,Walterswassitting 06:00hrs on the day in thinkI’llspendlonginjail,I on a parapet with her friend question, Dasrath had just gon kill you,” 22-year-old when the defendant departed her friend’s Brandon Trevor Gaspar approached her, dismounted vehicle,walkedtothecorner shouted in Court after Chief from a bicycle and told her of Broad and Charles Street, Magistrate Ann McLennan “don’tmove.” to call a taxi when she was remanded him to prison on According to the police robbed. Thursday for allegedly prosecutor, Gaspar then The Prosecutor said that robbing his ex-girlfriend cuffed Walters to her right while waiting, Gaspar and andanotherwoman. eye before relieving her of a another person arrived on a Gaspar,alabourerofLot gold chain and the phone. black scooter. Gaspar, who 92 Middle Road, La Hemadegoodhisescape. was the pillion rider, Penitence,Georgetown,was In his address to the snatched the woman’s only released from prison in court,Gasparsaid,“Thisgirl phone, jewellery and January 2022 after spending [Janelle] is me ex and we money. timeforrobbery. broke up like nine days ago. The matter was reported On Thursday, when he She came to my work, came and a sting operation was appeared before the Chief tomyhomeandfetchoutmy launched. M a g i s t r a t e a t t h e clothes and push down my The court heard that Georgetown Magistrates’ grandmother She lying on Dasrath called the number Courts, two charges were me, wuh she have for me to that was in her stolen phone readtohim. robshe.’’ and Gaspar answered and The first charge alleges Meanwhile, the second agreed to meet up at a that on December 3, 2022 at charge stated that on supermarket in Ruimveldt, W e s t R u i m v e l d t , December11,2022atBroad Georgetown. Georgetown he robbed and Charles Streets, W h i l e a t t h e JanelleWalters of an Iphone Georgetown, Gaspar stole supermarket, the police valued $80,000 and a gold an Iphone valued $120,000, confronted Gaspar and chain valued $150,000. The two gold rings valued carried out a search. They court also heard that the $160,000, one gold chain discovered a Samsung defendant used personal valued $150,000 and cellular phone with the SIM violence on Walters during US$545 from Arielle card belonging to Dasrath in thecourseoftherobbery Dasrath. thephone.

Further, Gaspar and For this charge, the Gaspar was arrested and Walters are known to each Police Prosecutor told the subsequently charged for other and on the day in court that at approximately robbing Dasrath and Walters.

In his defence, Gaspar told the court, “I never see this girl [Arielle Dasrath] in me life. I buy the SIM card fromasmokeman.”

The Chief Magistrate remanded Gaspar to prison and adjourned the matter to January18,2023.

Treasurer of the PNC/R, Faaiz Mursalin

General Secretary National Assembly as a the party The former of the People’s Member of Parliament magistrate who had replaced

N a t i o n a l Kaieteur News understands Amna Ally, a long-serving Congress Reform (PNC/R) that she was physically member of the PNC/R, Geeta Chandan-Edmond has absent from the Party’s remains a Member of resigned. Sophia headquarters for Parliament.

She submitted her letter several months ahead of Meanwhile, PNCR’s of resignation to the Party’s submitting her resignation National Treasurer, Faaiz leader Aubrey Norton on letter to Norton on Mursalin has signaled his Wednesday Wednesday intention to resign from his Chandan-Edmond, a The Opposition Leader post. former magistrate, was was repeatedly questioned In a Facebook post on selected by Norton when he during his weekly press Thursday, Mursalin said that was elected Leader of the conferences about Chandan- he will be performing his Party earlier this year. Edmond’s hiatus but skirted final duties as National Norton had said that thosequestions. Treasurer on December 23, C h a n d a n - E d m o n d , In a post following her 2022 after serving under possessed management and resignation, Chandan- ‘Team Norton’ for the past good human relations skills Edmonds thanked party year that made her suitable to be members for the support, “I will discharge my last General Secretary of the cooperation and guidance and final duties as National PNCR. she received during her stint treasurer of the P.N.C.R. on

However, Chandan- asGeneralSecretary December 23, 2020 A Edmond has been on “It has been an absolute formalletterwillbeprepared extended leave from her honour and privilege,” and be sent to the Leader’s duties in the Party since Chandan-Edmond wrote, office, thank you all who August but had continued to saying she will remain supportedme,”hesaidinthe attend sittings of the committed to the ideals of socialmediapost.

National

Former PNC/R General Secretary, Geeta Chandan-Edmonds

THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS APPLAUDING AT ITS OWN TRAGEDY

Growth for Regional economies pegged at 3.7% for...

Frompage3 on monetary authorities in toolboxforfacingthecurrent the unemployment rate. In Latin America and the scenario Along with the addition, an increase in Caribbean to continue monetary policy rate, informality has been raising monetary policy officials should use observedin2022alongwith rates. macroprudential and adeclineinrealwages. ECLAC indicates that regulatory instruments that

You had to be there to took a familiar line. The transferandknow-how That the commanding heights of worstoildealinthecountry appreciate how smitten the President claimed that argument however has long their economies When Guyana’s gold is also being private sector is with multinationals allow been discredited. And it is Prime Minister Forbes plundered by foreign President Irfaan Ali. While countries like Guyana to shocking to learn that Burnham opted to companies. The same tune addressing a recent Guyana build capacity, to build PresidentAli,inthisdayand nationalise the bauxite that Irfaan Ali is singing tentaclesintheotherareasof Manufacturing and Services technology and know-how age, would fall for it hook, industry, he said that, “You todaywassungbyDesmond the agri- food chain, thus Association (GMSA) event, and to benefit from capital line and sinker Despite cannot be an independent Hoyte. He too heralded the givingthemadecisiverolein the President was greeted investment This is the having a doctorate in urban country and be an economic importance of foreign determining the global price with lusty and regular propaganda that the neo- planning, he needs to be satellite, not merely of multinationals But the forfood.PresidentIrfaanAli applause from the barons of liberal international schooled in macroeconomic another nation, but of a returns were poor for the is leading a charge for local industry who were financialinstitutionsandthe history privatecorporation.” country when he brought in greaterfoodsecurity Butthe oblivious to the superfluous multinationals themselves M u l t i n a t i o n a l Under colonial rule, foreign multinationals such more money he pumps into presentation that was being are ramming down the corporations (MNCs) and Guyana was once designed as Green Construction, the local economy, the made. throatsofourleaders. transnational corporations as Booker Guyana in Booker State and Cambior, higher the prices of food President Ali had the They are encouraging (TNCs)havehadanotorious r e f e r e n c e t o t h e to name a few OMAI, for becomes,suggestingthatthe audience’sraptattentionand governments to invite reputation for plundering commanding position the example, paid a small rateofincreaseofdisposable appreciation But one multinationals into the developingcountries.Thisis sugar company held in the royalty and no corporation income is outstripping wonders whether those who countries, and are telling why as part of the neo- nationaleconomy Similarly, tax.And in all their years of production. In such a case, were so generous with their them that in so doing the colonial struggle many the bauxite companies extractingmillionsofounces inflation is bound to applause really digested the country will build capacity newly independent states exerted an overweening ofgold,theyneverdeclareda increase Consumers are nonsense that he spoke. He and enjoy technology took actions to nationalise domination in the bauxite profit. feeling the squeeze as industry Burnham’sposition The reputation of foreign multinationals was that a country like multinational corporations corner the limited market. Guyana must own and as resource plunders has not Housewives recently control its own natural changed.Andthisreputation complained about a steep resourceswhichfortoolong is not limited to the natural increase in milk powder and hadbeenexploitedwithonly resource sector. A few butter All of this is minimal benefits to the months ago, United States happening at a time when country President, Joseph Biden, freight charges have Burnham was not took a swipe at a major declined. Multinationals, if opposed to foreign shipping companies in the giventheleverage,willrape multinationals involvement trans-Pacific area accusing our resources from right in the economy but he felt them of increasing freight under our noses. It is for that Guyana would not rates by more than 1000%. IrfaanAlitoensurethatthese derive the maximum These companies control foreign companies do not benefitspossiblewithinonly about80%ofshippinginthat leave Guyanese with scraps minority interest in the Region and therefore their while they cream off the naturalresourcesector actions have had a main benefits...He can start

In the fiscal sphere, the current situation poses would help manage although there has been a c h a l l e n g e s f o r aggregate demand, reduction in the primary m a c r o e c o n o m i c minimizing the effects on deficit, debt levels continue management On fiscal growthandinvestment. tobehigh,whichmeansthat matters,officialsmustavoid Finally, the Preliminary fiscal space can be expected premature spending Overview2022arguesthatit to continue conditioning the adjustments and expand is critical to stimulate trajectory of public fiscal space by reducing investment and productivity spending.Theriskofinterest evasion and avoidance, in order to address social rate hikes, of currency reviewing tax expenditures, demands, the creation of depreciations and greater carrying out reforms to decent employment, to sovereign risk are seen increase tax collection and reduce informality, hampering the financing of the tax structure’s inequality and poverty, and government operations in progressivity, and with move forward on climate 2023. multilateral support via the change adaptation and

Oneaspectthatthereport mobilization of global mitigation To that end, highlightsisthatthechanges liquidity Itisalsonecessary innovative public policies seen in the trajectory of to make progress on are needed on productive, regional inflation in the improvingtheefficiencyand financial, trade and social secondhalfof2022,coupled effectiveness of public matters and on the care with the deceleration in spending to enhance fiscal economy, to avoid another economic activity that is policy In the monetary- lost decade like the one expected to continue next financial realm, it is observed for the 2014-2023 year,willreducethepressure important to diversify the period.

Dem boys seh...

NUFF FREENESS PASSING FUH CHRISTMAS

Christmas deh around de corner and Overseas people does like party but in backpaydonepay Isnowdemadrushgan Guyana, dem party does cost money and tekplacewithalldemwahgatmoneytrying nuffpeoplenahgotopartybecausedemnah fuh buy out dem store. Yo, things tight in want spend money pon clothes and nah gat Guyana, tek a walk down to dem shopping nothingfuhputindepot. areas and yuh want know if de whole So Guyanese muss have certain things country win de lottery Dat is what does fuhdeholiday-food,fairylightsandfamily happenafterde15thDecember Is dat is what local Christmas is about. Fuh

Dem money transfer agencies gan also food, yuh must gat a nice meal fuh get rush because dem Guyanese overseas ChristmasDayandplentytodrink. also get dem Christmas bonus and dem Demfairlylightsellingcheap,cheapand know dem gat to send something extra fuh so nuff people decorating dem house. demfamilybackhome.Nevermindsomeof Christmas tree gat to go up too in some dem back home doing better than dem house. overseas, dem gan complain how things AndwhatwillChristmasbelikewithout hard in Guyana and dem family gan send familywhodoescomeandadmireyuhfairly moneyfuhdem Christmas. lightsandeatoutyuhfoodanddrinkoutyuh

Soifnuffspendinggantekplace.Datis drinks? howGuyanesedoesenjoydemselves.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

At present, Guyana has significant impacted on by singing the praises of comefullcircle.Theforeign shippingcosts. foreignmultinationals. multinationals such as F o u r m a j o r (The views expressed in ExxonMobil, Hess and multinationals control 90% this article are those of the CNOOC are plundering of the global trade in grains. author and do not Guyana. The country is These companies, called the necessarily reflect the receiving a mere 2% as ABCD – Archer Daniels opinions and beliefs of this royaltiesand12.5%asprofit Midland,Bunge,Cargilland n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s oil in what has been as the Dreyfus – also have their affiliates.)

observers of G u y a n e s e politics are on the consensus

GEETA CHANDAN: THE NATURE OF GUYANESE POLITICS

I have known Geeta and PNCleadership.Itwasclear a faction in the PNC that is President Jagan resigned that Norton’s her husband a long time. to political observers that closetoNortonasaHarmon and Bharrat Jagdeo became politics is street Theywerebothmystudents there was water under the person. It meant from the president, Luncheon was de politics In fact, attheUniversityofGuyana. bridge between Norton and beginning, she was not factosecondinchargeofthe certain embassies in Over the past two decades, the Granger/Harmon/Ally trusted and her tenure was government Another Georgetown are we became friends. It was a triumvirate. The triumvirate viewedwithsuspicion. African became the de jure studying the prospect PNC. friendship that went beyond andtheNortonfactionwere S e c o n d l y , h e r head of the PPP with of facilitating a new party The departure had to the banality of association. not enamoured with each inexperience is politics formidable power- Clement The western embassies will come She did not Theytrustedmyadvice. other nurtured her disadvantages. Rohee. not deliver a Norton u n d e r s t a n d t h o s e Wife and husband Amna Ally told this Geeta does not know the Forwhateverreason,the presidencytoGuyana. methodologies, believed becamepartoftheAFCand columnist that she was PNC. She entered politics PNChasnoteulogisedtheir Certain key players in such approaches to politics when the APNU+AFC won flippantly derecognised by throughthefrontdoorofthe Indian big wigs the way the thePNCknowthatNorton’s would not be used by theelection,wehadadinner the Norton leadership. See AFC,thenbecauseasastate PPP has done to their leadership will not deliver Norton. When they were, celebrationatNewThriving my column of Friday, employed lawyer. Even African leaders. Geeta then an election victory and if she couldn’t accept them. Restaurant. As the AFC August 19, 2022, “What while working in the was not treated as an Indian Norton turns to “mo The end had to come. Like settledintooffice,thenature Amna Ally told me broke Ministry of the Presidency, discovery to be highlighted. fyaah/slo fyaah” because of her husband, Joel, she may oftheAFCleadershipledto my heart.” Geeta had to that role did not bring her Someone like Desmond the importance of the beatthepointof“callingit, her alienation and she know about the way the into the realm of PNC Hoyte or Robert Corbin EXXON presence in George” with politics. One crossed over to APNU. It triumvirate felt about politics She entered the would have seen Geeta as a Guyana, the PNC will not thing for sure, the Geeta was natural because she Norton’sleadership.Sowhy war-room of the PNC as a plus for the PNC’s image. survive American wrath Chandan exodus will hurt worked as the legal advisor did she enter the door of novice, knowing nothing Under Corbin, Supriya Therefore, Norton is living both the credibility and toMinisterJoeHarmon.Her Norton? about the PNC and the Singhcouldhaverisentothe on borrowed time in the electoral prospects of the husband Joel, disassociated There are two theories. history of Norton. First, the apex of the PNC. Secondly, PNC Geeta began to PNC We may see a himself from the AFC, One is that she was advised PNC has never elevated an Geeta was General- understandwhatshegotinto challenge to Norton sooner resigned and quit politics. I to do so by the triumvirate. Indian onto the hierarchy of Secretary under a man when she entered the thanlater wassurprisedwhenshetook The other is that the ethnic thePNCthewaythePPPhas whose politics is one- kingdom of Norton. Her (The views expressed in up the position as General thing drove Norton to offer nurturedAfricans. dimension. Aubrey Norton experience was with this article are those of the Secretary of the PNC after the position The Roger Luncheon was de cannot muster the H a r m o n a n d h i s author and do not her former boss was explanation of Geeta’s facto next to Cheddi Jagan pragmatism that politics in temperament was different necessarily reflect the defeatedbyAubreyNorton. resignation using both and Reepu Daman Persaud Guyana necessitates He from Norton’s Geeta’s opinions and beliefs of this I believe Geeta’s theories has the same and Moses Nagamootoo onlyunderstandsthewayof began to experience n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s

revulsion at some of the affiliates.) herintotherealmofthenew shewasseenbyNortonand powerful status After All independent methodologies of the new

inexperience in politics led explanatory theme First, accepted Luncheon thealley

FrederickKissoon

Appeal Court upholds conviction, sentence of child rapist

The Guyana Court of Appeal on Thursday refused an application to overturn a 30-year jail sentence

for Esan Germaine who is currently serving time for raping a 15-yearoldgirl.

In March, 2022, Justice Simone MorrisRamlallsentencedhimto20,25and30years, onthreecountsofrape,respectively

All the sentences run concurrently and Germaine has to serve 20 years before becomingeligibleforparole.

Court records state that on three occasions in 2014, Germaine raped the teenager

On the first occasion, Germaine approached the teen and asked her about school,grades,relationshipstatus,andsexual orientation, and he also told her “You know I love you”. The child responded, “I know”, and Germaine then hugged her, kissed her cheeks, and then began to kiss her neck. He then proceeded to undress the child after whichherapedher

On the second occasion, Germaine first the jury and made several errors in law laid on top of her touching her private area. Germaine is also arguing that the sentences He then kissed her on her lips and raped the are manifestly excessive, wrong in principle, minorforabout10minutes. and not in keeping with established

On the third occasion, it was just after sentencingguidelines. mid-night on July 17, 2014, when Germaine Meanwhile, during his trial, Germaine first called out for the teen but she did not had always denied raping the child. He respond since she knew what he wanted. She described the girl as an “unmannerly child”, was still in bed when she felt a lash on her whowasinthehabitofmisbehaving. handbeforeGermainedraggedheroutofbed He also claimed he tried to rehabilitate andagainrapedher her and put strict measures in place to guide

OnJuly23,2014,thegirlwasgoingtothe her to be better These measures, he said, shop when she saw her mother, and confided included beating her, talking to her, and inher sendinghertochurchforcounselling.

The mother reported the matter to the Back in 2017, Germaine received a 65police, and Germaine was arrested. In her year jail sentence after he was unanimously police statement, the woman said she was foundguiltyonthreecountsofrapinganother shocked at the allegations against Germaine, minor asshedidnotexpecthimtorapeherchild. In this case, he was convicted on all three

At the appellate court, the convict countsofengaginginsexualactivitywiththe contested his convictions and sentences on child—when she was ages four, six and the ground that the Trial Judge misdirected seven.

AFC condemns breaching of State House

Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc) also condemned the attack at State House,

The Alliance For truemotives,intentions,and the official residence of C h a n g e ( A F C ) h a s associations, if any, of this President Dr Irfaan Ali, condemned the unlawful man. along with the injuries and forceful entry into State Already,andregrettably, inflicted on a Presidential House Thursday morning, rumour and conjecture have Guardonduty Accordingto which resulted in injuries to dominated the discourse the body, media reports a rank of the Presidential about today’s events - indicate that the alleged Guard Forces and life ranging from the actions of attacker is a Nigerian who threatening injuries an insane man, to this being works with a local security sustainedbytheperpetrator an organized, planned and company

Thankfully,theintrusion targeted attack Only a “There are many illegal wascontained,thepartysaid professional inquiry can Nigerians in Guyana, and inapressstatement. unearth the facts and the R3PSInc calls for a

According to the AFC, circumstances, and only thorough investigation and the State House, is the then, can a proper response, condign action against all established and official for future occurrences, be involved in such a dastardly residence of the President of implemented. act at the first family’s Guyana and his family It is From a national security residence. not to be trifled with, and standpoint, this breach must TheR3PSInccommends every facility and resource be treated with the highest the Presidential security for must be used to protect its levels of seriousness and their controlled response, occupants and its sanctity importance,” the AFC arrest of the perpetrator, and “Afullinvestigationmustbe statementconcluded. prevention of significant carried out to ascertain the Meanwhile, the Region casualties.”

Govt. to move application, payment for vehicle tint permits online in 2023

The Ministry of Home Minister,Robeson Benn, in withdrivers,whoeitherhave Affairs through the Guyana an invited comment, told too much tint or have tinted Police Force (GPF) is DPI, that the GPF should vehicles without permits considering transitioning the be commended for taking “This inconsistency creates application and payment for the lead in implementing unwanted confrontation vehicle tint permits to an the services since, “tinting that is not needed and we onlineportalinthenewyear is a tedious job now, in the want to take away all of This effort follows the w a y i t i s b e i n g that” the home affairs m i n i s t r y ’ s r e c e n t administered”. ministernoted. collaboration with GTT’s He said the new process, He said the MMG Mobile Money Guyana whichtheministryhopescan payment portal will reduce (MMG) for payment become a reality in the new the burden sometimes facilities at the General year, will reduce the caused by the application Registers Office (GRO) and inconvenience police process. “What we are going immigration services officers face when dealing (Continued on page 22)

Esan Germaine

ExxonM hands out another US$ multimillion dollar contract for 5th unapproved project

S a i p e m , a n I t a l i a n changes.

multinationaloilservicescompany,

In its project summary that was announced this week that it has submitted to the Environmental been awarded new contracts in Protection Agency, Exxon said the Guyana and Egypt totalling Uaru Project will be located in the approximatelyUS$1.2B. eastern portion of the block,

Saipem said the first contract approximately 200 km from was awarded by ExxonMobil Georgetown and amid previous Guyana for the Uaru field StabroekProjects. development project, located in the

Currentplansincludedrillingto Stabroek block.The contract scope produce oil from approximately includesthedesign,fabricationand 40-76wellswhichcostsmillionsof installation of subsea structures, dollars. Production is expected to risers, flowlines and umbilicals for begin between the fourth quarter of a large subsea production facility. 2026 and the second quarter of Saipem, who was previously 2027, with an expected field life of awarded other four subsea at least 20 years. Exxon said the contracts by ExxonMobil Guyana production facilities to be installed for prior developments in the same include subsea equipment attached area, namely Liza Phase One and totheseaflooraswellasprocessing Two, Payara, and Yellowtail, will equipment on the ocean’s surface perform the operations for the known as a Floating, Production, nation’s fifth project by using its Storage,andOffloadingvessel. vessels, including FDS2 and Exxon also told the EPA that it Constellation. has undertaken additional studies

Subject to the necessary to obtain an even more government approvals, project comprehensive understanding of sanction by ExxonMobil Guyana potential impacts of effluent and its Stabroek block coventurers, discharges to water, the feasibility and an authorisation to proceed of alternative handling of produced with the final phase, the award will water, cradle to grave waste still allow Saipem to start some management in Guyana, limited activities, namely detailed emergency response capabilities, engineeringandprocurement.

Exxon for the Uaru Project even as “Uaru”development

they were able to and environmental compliance Kaieteur News understandsthat itstillawaitsgovernmentapproval. American

monitoring and verification. The Sapiem’ssecondcontractwasfrom Late last month, French company Hess Corporation, recently put

and Yellowtail to some company said the learnings from Petrobel, one of the largest Vallourec said it secured major Guyana on notice, that the fifth extent, from inflationary pressures c u r r e n t o p e r a t i o n s a n d companies working in petroleum contracts for Uaru. In November as project targeting 1.3 billion barrels by locking in key contracts early environmentalstudieswillenhance and energy sector in Egypt. The well,MitsuiOceanDevelopment& of oil in the Stabroek Block’s Uaru With respect to the Uaru Project, the design and implementation of contract is for the transportation, Engineering Company (MODEC) field, will cost way more than Hess officials said the the Uaru Project, thereby installationandpre-commissioning which is based in Japan announced US$10B. The company had issued circumstances will be different, increasing environmental of 170 km of umbilicals for the that it has signed a contract to this forewarning about the most adding that the cost for the performance and economic value. Zohrnaturalgasfield. perform Front End Engineering expensive development to come Floating, Production, Storage and It concluded that the Uaru Project This publication would have and Design (FEED) for a Floating during its 2022 third quarter Offloading (FPSO) vessel, will will contribute positively, directly previously reported that several Production, Storage and earningscall. surely reflect current market and indirectly, to economic growth other contracts were awarded by Offloading vessel (FPSO) for the Hess Executives told conditions, as well as scope inGuyana.

Bartica resident dies after losing control of ATV

Bartica resident, Kennie 20-year-old Micheal Fredkou of and collided with a veranda of a Timmerman perished after he lost Mongrippa Hill, Bartica injured woodenhouseinthearea. controlofhisATVandcrashedintoa occurred sometime around 10:00hrs The two were picked up and house on Thursday at Karrau onThursday rushed to the Bartica Regional Village, Region Seven (Cuyuni- Accordingtothepolice,theATV Hospital, where Timmerman was Mazaruni), was travelling south along the pronounced dead and Fredkou was Kaieteur News understands that easternsideofKarrauVillageaccess treated and sent away An the accident which claimed the life road at a fast rate when Timmerman investigation into his death is of Timmerman and left pillion rider lost control while negotiating a turn currentlyongoing.

project. shareholders that

energy company, insulate development costs for

Payara

Map showing the location of the Uaru Development Project offshore Guyana

The house which Timmerman reportedly crashed into on Thursday morning.

Dead, Kennie Timmerman

HundredsprotestasMayorgoestocourt

Hcharged with Opposition exited the courtroom during evening hours on market vendors Member of Parliament (MP) Protestors expressed their Monday, December 12 last,

Sh

od Duncan, who dissatisfaction with the at New Market Street in the

e allegedly aired the interview Mayor being charged and vicinity of Georgetown Opposition turned out on of the Mayor making the placedbeforethecourts. Public Hospital Corporation Thursday to protest at the statements.

The protest started on (GPHC). Georgetown Magistrates’ Themenappearedbefore Wednesday afternoon, when Narine and Duncan had CourtsasCityMayor,Ubraj Chief Magistrate Ann members of the Guyana gone there that evening to Narine made his first McLennan, who placed Police Force (GPF) had join vendors who were appearance on allegations them on $200,000 bail each. turned up at the Mayor’s protesting the removal of that he attempted to excite The protestors chanted, officetoarresthim. their mobile food stands and ethnic division among “Free the Mayor, jail Kaieteur News had other structures on New citizens as well obstructing Jagdeo.” reported that Mayor Narine MarketStreetbymembersof traffic Narine and Duncan were andDuncanwerearrestedon theMinistryofPublicWorks Narine was jointly greeted with cheers as they allegations committed andthepolice.

Mayor Ubraj Narine and Opposition MP Sherod Duncan waving at the protesters as they leave the courtroom

Scenes from the protest outside of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday

30 cattle farmers to benefit from breeding bulls

Some of the breeding bulls

Countries of the Region reaffirm commitment to promote, protect older persons’ human rights

At the conclusion of

Large-scale cattle farmers from and others were promised assistance in the Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, form of genetic material. Since we took

and Six signed agreements with office, the government has been working to the Ministry of Agriculture’s Guyana develop the cattle industry for both beef and Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) dairy production. When we look at the entire for the use of breeding bulls to improve their livestocksector,moresothecattleindustry,it stock. was decided that we’ll import these hybrid

In a press release, the Ministry of animals so that we can collaborate with Agriculture said, the initiative forms part of farmers to help them improve their herds. the agency’s genetic improvement Farmers will have to sign an agreement programmeasthegovernmentworkstowards because these animals are the property of the developing the local cattle industry state and can be retrieved at any time. GLDA AgricultureMinister,ZulfikarMustaphasaid willalsobecheckingwithyoutoensurethese 64 hybrid-breeding bulls were brought from animalsremainhealthy Youwillalsohaveto Texastoassistwiththeprogramme. assist other farmers in your area to develop “Lastyearwhenwehadtheflood,alotof their herds,” the minister explained. The animals died. Some farmers received cash bullsarrivedinGuyanalastOctober

Representatives of the andrights. (ECLAC), the organization countries participating in the I n t h e S a n t i a g o t h a t s e r v e s a s t h e F i f t h R e g i o n a l Declaration, approved Conference’s Technical I n t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l unanimously, the authorities Secretariat The meeting Conference on Ageing and a l s o r e n e w e d t h e i r brought together delegates the Rights of Older Persons commitment to the Madrid from 29 of ECLAC’s in Latin America and the International Plan ofAction, member countries and 3 Caribbean, which concluded 20 years after its approval, associate members, along on Thursday in Santiago, and the regional instruments with representatives of 9 Chile, reaffirmed their t h a t r e i n f o r c e i t s United Nations agencies and commitment to promote, implementation and 4 9 c i v i l s o c i e t y protect and respect the relevance. organizations. In total, more human rights, dignity and The United Nations’ than 300 people participated fundamental freedoms of all m a i n r e g i o n a l in person and around 2,600 older persons, without intergovernmental forum on followed the conference discriminationorviolenceof ageing and older persons’ remotely any kind, and ratified the rights was inaugurated on Participating in the responsibility of States to Tuesday at the headquarters closing session were Raúl pursue the measures and o f t h e E c o n o m i c García-Buchaca, Deputy actions needed to ensure Commission for Latin ExecutiveSecretaryfor healthy ageing, with dignity America and the Caribbean (Continued on page 22)

the Fifth Regional Intergovernmental Conference on Ageing, authorities renewed their commitment to the Madrid International Plan of Action and the regional instruments that reinforce its implementation and relevance.

The Ministry of Public Works has s i g n e d a

$1,056,452,458 (US$5M) contract with Kares Engineering Inc. to upgrade the Kingston Goods wharf ahead of the arrival of the new North-West Ferry –MVMaLisha.

US$5M to upgrade Kingston Wharf to facilitate new North West ferry

The US$5 million project was estimated to cost $1,094,079,547. Four firms submitted bids for the project.

The US$12 7 million new passenger and cargo ferryisscheduledtoarrivein Guyana after being built in Kolkata,India.

At the signing of the contract this week, Minister of Public Works, Juan

Gardens Reach Shipbuilders toachieveamaximumspeed Edghill explained that this is and Engineers Limited of15knots. just one of few wharves that (GRSE) as part of the Itisdesignedtocarry294 his Ministry intends to Government of India’s Line persons, 14 vehicles, two upgrade in preparation for ofCredit-cum-Grantproject. fully-loaded trucks, and 10 thevessel. Thevesselisslatedtoplythe containers.

“We have to get

Georgetown to North-West It has a capacity of 250 adjustmentsattheTransport route when it arrives in the tons and complies with all and Harbours wharf at country internationalregulations. Kingston and this would

The ferry which Besides upgrading the just be the first wharf measures70metreslongwas wharves, the Ministry had becausewehavetogetwork designed by the in house recently sent 10 employees done at Mabaruma, Port GRSEteam. from the Transport and Kaituma and Morawhanna

we

Kingston Goods wharf,” he understands that works to byDecember2,2023. The vessel is being Harbours Department for to be able to facilitate that hadstated upgrade the wharf is Meanwhile, the MV Ma propelled by two caterpillar training related to the new [the ferry] but importantly, K a i e t e u r N e w s scheduled to be completed Lisha was built in India by engines and twin gear boxes ferry.

are starting with the

A section of the goods wharf at Kingston. (Photo courtesy of Ernestine Leonard)

The newly built ocean-going passenger and cargo ferry called MV Ma Lisha.

GT Mayor, Opposition MP placed on $200k bail each for controversial remarks, traffic offences

T h e M a y o r o f had contracted three trucks government and is this State address to the court stated defendthechargesbeforethe causing anyone to post/air Georgetown, Ubraj Narine and drivers to carry out a going to become a Muslim that his clients were arrested court.Thelawyerthenasked anythingonlineinrelationto and Opposition Member of removalexerciseofthestalls state…? These are Black at the Mayor’s office and for his client to be released the matter that is before the Parliament (MP) Sherod along New Market Street (in people here who are vending then walked to the Brickdam ontheirownrecognizance. court.They are also required Duncan were on Thursday front of the Georgetown here and you are going to PoliceStation.Hestatedthat Prosecutor Daniels made to report to the Brickdam placed on $200,000 bail on PublicHospital). bulldoze them instead of the Mayor, who lives at no objection to bail being Police Station the last Friday allegations that they She added that they were having a talk with them like LamahaStreet,Georgetown, granted but asked for two of every month until the attempted to excite ethnic able to remove one of the you did with the speedboat is a pandit of 19 years and conditions be attached to the completion of the matter division among citizens as caravans, which was then operators, rice farmers, cane has an unblemished record. bail Chief Magistrate The City Mayor and the MP wellobstructingtraffic. taken to the ministry’s cuttersorfishermen,theyare He added that Duncan who McLennan granted bail in then headed to the traffic The duo appeared at the compound. However, while mostly Hindus that’s why lives at Good Hope on the the sum of $100,000 on each court where they were Georgetown Magistrates’ attempting to remove a you went there but because East Coast of Demerara, has charge and adjourned the slapped with two charges for Courts before Chief second caravan, they were these are Black people, you nopreviousconvictions. matter to January 20, 2023. obstructing the flow of Magistrate Ann McLennan. prevented from doing so by are bulldozing them like Inhisbailapplication,he The conditions attached to traffic For these two The City Mayor and Duncan the Mayor, the MPand other animals,likedogs…” noted that his clients are not their bail is that they are charges, they were released were not required to plead to persons. As a result, the Attorney Wade, in his flight-risk and intend to barred from posting or onself-bail.

the first charge which stated policeweresummoned. The that on Monday December prosecutoraddedthatNarine 12, at New Market Street, and Duncan placed concrete G e o r g e t o w n , t h e y blocks, garbage bins and intentionally transmitted by other items along the use of computer system a roadwaypreventingtheflow video attempting to excite oftraffic. ethnic division among the Daniels further stated people of Guyana on the that on the said night, the ground of race. While the Mayor did an interview with first charge was laid Duncan and that during the indictably,thesecondcharge interview that was aired on a waslaidsummarily Facebook page ‘Credible The second charge stated Sources’, the Mayor made thatonDecember12,atNew severalremarks. Market Street, the Mayor H o w e v e r , w h e n and the MP attempted to questioned by the Chief excite public hostility or ill Magistrate in relation to the will against a section of the remarks that were made by publiconthegroundsoftheir the Mayor, the prosecutor race Both Narine and informedthecourtthatsheis Duncanpleadednotguiltyto unaware of the remarks that thesecondchargeafteritwas were made since those were read to them. They are being notstatedinthecasefile. represented by a battery of The magistrate then lawyers led by Senior stated that the charge is in Counsel, Roysdale Forde. relation to remarks made to The other attorneys include: excite hostility and as such, Khemraj Ramjattan; Darren the court will need to be Wade and Amanza Walton- provided with the remarks Desir. that were made. The Chief Police Prosecutor Magistrate then ordered that Shellon Daniels, who is the prosecutor contact the prosecuting the matter, told investigating rank to get the the court that both charges remarks that were made by stemmed from one issue so the Mayor The matter was the matters will be heard then put down to give the together prosecutor time to gather Prosecutor Daniels said additionalinformation. that Onika Vickory, a senior When the matter was technician employed with recalled, Prosecutor Daniels the Ministry of Public told the court that during the Wo r k s , a c t i n g o n interview,theMayorsaid“Is instructions from the it because I am a Hindu and Minister of Public Works, heisaMuslimthathecannot Juan Edghill to remove the work with me The stalls on New Market Street government is a dictatorship

Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine

Opposition MP, Sherod Duncan

Nigerian citizen shot after disarming and wounding members of Presidential Guard at State House

By Shervin Belgrave

Alocation being on the East her9MMpistolandretreated Coast of Demerara (ECD). Nigerian man to Carmichael Street and Kaieteur News understands w a s o n started shooting at the that the Nigerian national

disarm a female member of

T h u r s d a y officers. Motorists passing was recently employed by a morning shot after he by in the vehicles slowed cleaning company in the city disarmed and wounded two down to record cell phone butdidnotshowupforwork members of the Presidential videos of Chimezie in the last ten days. His Guard stationed at State shooting. employer suspected that the House, the official residence In one of the videos, a man had ‘walked off the job’ ofPresidentIrfaanAli. fearful passenger was heard without submitting a

The Nigerian national telling the driver, “Bai drive resignation. has been identified as 25- and leh we guh” as the

Thursday’s incident has year-old Bethel Ikenna exchange of gunfire left Chimezie’s employer Chimezie. continued Chimezie was and workmates surprised Reports are that at pursued to New Market Theyopinedthatthemandid around 07:30hrs, Chimezie Street where he was not demonstrate any entered a security room eventuallyshot. characteristics that would located at the southern side Videoshavesurfacedtoo causethemtothinkhewould Security Guard for his of State House facing of Chimezie being advised commit such an act. “We courage and wish him a full C a r m i c h a e l S t r e e t , by citizens to drop the weresurprisedseeingthison and speedy recovery from Georgetown and demanded weapon as he lay wounded the news but he is his serious injuries,” President Irfaan Ali. “I want on the ground. The Nigerian responsible for his APNU+AFCstated. the President [Mohamed national and Perreira were actions…we never knew he Surinamese President Irfaan Ali])” the man rushed to the Georgetown had such intentions,” a Chandrikapersad Santokhi reportedly said before Public Hospital Corporation workmatesaid. said he is “alarmed” by the pullingaknifefromhispants (GPHC), for immediate Meanwhile, the Guyana “suspected attack” on waist and stabbing Telon medicalattention. Police Force (GPF) is trying President Ali. “These kinds Perriera, a member of the K a i e t e u r N e w s to determine Chimezie’s of attacks are fortunately not Presidential Guard, five understands that both men motive and has requested common in both Suriname timestotheneckandbody are in serious conditions. help from International and Guyana, but such a case Upon seeing the violent The Nigerian man was shot Police (INTERPOL) as visited the relatives of the Shocked does open the eyes of the attack, other members of the multiple times to his body investigations continue. A wounded Presidential Guard Meanwhile, Chimezie potential dangers for our Presidential Guard Forces and had to undergo surgery seniorofficerdisclosedthata member but it is yet to make has been reportedly living in heads of state and families. rushed to Perriera’s aid but to remove the bullets request was made “via an official statement on the Guyana for a number of President Santokhi, of the intruder managed to President Ali has since I N T E R P O L ” f o r a incident. years; his last known c o u r s e , h o p e s t h a t comprehensive background tranquillity and security will checkonChimezie. soonreturntoPresidentAli’s

Strong Condemnation residence,” a statement from T h e r e h a s b e e n thePresident’sOfficesaid. widespreadcondemnationof Similarly, the High Chimezie’s act. The main Commission of India said it political Opposition, A “condemns, in the strongest Partnership for National possible terms, the attack Unity+AllianceForChange which occurred at the State ( A P N U + A F C ) i n a House today morning, statement said that it notes during which a Presidential reports from the Ministry of Security Officer was injured Home Affairs and the police severely.” about the breach of the “The High Commission Security Perimeter Process welcomes the news that the Unit at State House and First Family of Guyana is welcomes news that “the safe We also take this President and family are opportunity to commend the safe”. “We condemn in the Presidential Security Forces strongest possible terms a for the effective response resort to violence in any and the rapid de-escalation circumstances We also of the situation. We also take the opportunity to commendtheinjured commend the Presidential (Continued on page 22)

A wounded Bethel Ikenna Chimezie, who shot and disarmed two members of the Presidential Guard.

Injured member of the Presidential Guard, Telon Perriera

Detectives recovering evidence from the crime scene.

Gov’t to reintroduce

Amerindian language lessons in 2023

The Amerindian Affairs Ministry will reintroduce the Amerindians’ language revival programme in 2023 to students being housed at the hinterland scholarship dormitory at Liliendaal, East CoastDemerara.

The language revival project is intended to p r e s e r v e t h e n i n e Amerindian languages which are spoken by the various tribes; Arawak, Akawaio, Arekuna, Carib, Macushi, Patamona, Wai Wai, Wapishana and Warraus.Itwasfirstinitiated in2013underthenPresident, BharratJagdeo.

Senior Social Worker Christopher Sookdeo said thestudentswillbenefitfrom

theinitiative.“Wewouldlike tosharesomeofourplansfor the new academic year w h i c h i n c l u d e t h e reintroduction of Indigenous language lessons for our dorm students, internship fairs for students, career guidance and internship programmes throughout the country, “Sookdeo said, at the annual hinterland scholarship graduation ceremonyheldWednesday The students will also benefit from music programmes, additional recreational facilities, and m e n t a l h e a l t h a n d developmental programmes. The language revival project saw the revival of the Arawak language in

Wakapau village, Region T w o ( P o m e r o o nSupenaam) Due to the success of the programme, it was expanded to include otherlanguages.

Subject minister, Pauline Sukhai revealed that the ministry will fund culture groups in several villages as part of the cultural preservation efforts in 2023. “We want to ensure that according to theAmerindian Act, we also support the cultural development of the people […] Our language and our culture make us who we are. It identifies us. And, so we will be supporting a few groups next year when the budget passes,” Minister Sukhaiemphasised.(DPI)

Brazil to resume diplomatic relations with Venezuela under Lula

Incoming left-wing president Lula has signalled he will seek to repair relations with the Maduro government.

Aljazeera-Brazilissetto restart diplomatic relations w i t h n e i g h b o u r i n g Venezuela once Presidentelect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva assumes office on January1.

On Wednesday, Mauro Vieira – whom Lula named last week as his pick for f o r e i g n m i n i s t e r –announced that a diplomatic mission will travel to Caracas next month to organiseanofficialBrazilian residence in the city before an ambassador is appointed byBrazil’slegislature.

Diplomatic relations between Brazil and Venezuela’s left-wing government broke down in 2020, during the tenure of Brazil’s current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro Lula,aleft-leaningpolitician who defeated Bolsonaro in Brazil’s October election, has signalled he will seek a thaw in tensions with his c o u n t r y ’s n o r t h e r n neighbour During his time in office, Bolsonaro signed a decree banning Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and senior members of his administrationfromentering Brazil. He also joined more than 50 countries in recognising Juan Guaido, a

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, [File: Ariana Cubillos/AP Photo]

CCAC advises consumers to be vigilant to avoid being scammed when shopping in local online marketplaces

Through several official and unofficial complaints received by the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), it has been recognized that there is a growing problem of scams in shopping in the local onlinemarketplace.

The Commission, t h e r e f o r e , a d v i s e s consumers to be vigilant when entering into any transactionwithsellersinthe localonlinemarketplace.

The complaints received have ranged from the nonfunctioning of items purchased to items being materially different in brand and quality from that which wasadvertised.

Some sellers frequently delete their social media accounts immediately after scamming the buyer/s and operate under several

different names In the absence of contact information, consumers and the CCAC have difficulty securing redress from the errant suppliers. To avoid being scammed or duped by thes e uns crupulous suppliers, the CCAC advises:

1. Check the seller’s history and review comments from recent buyers.2. Find out about their rules for refunds andreturns.

3. Ensure the seller l i s t s t h e i r c o n t a c t information, particularly a physical address. This is highly vital to facilitate the redress process 4 Check closely the images posted to verify they are the actual images of the item on sale and are not stock images.5. E n s u r e

you are allowed to test the functionality of electronics and appliances before you makethefinalpurchase.

6. Use safe payment methods.

7. Ensure you collect a r e c e i p t f o r e a c h transaction.

8. Ensure you are issued with an explicit warranty

9. Keep all messages and correspondences betweenyouandtheseller

10. Call the CCAC on 219-4410-3 to check if there areanycomplaintsonfilefor theseller

If consumers encounter problems with a seller in the local online marketplace, c o n t a c t t h e s e l l e r immediately If the issue is notresolved,fileacomplaint with the Commission via the websiteccac.gov.gy

PAHO says programme to tackle communicable diseases must be strengthened

member of Venezuela’s opposition, as the country’s acting president after Maduro’s2018re-election.

Countries including the UnitedStatescalledMaduro’s 2018 reelection results “fraudulent” But Guaido’s self-declaredpresidencycame to little and talks between Maduro’sgovernmentandthe opposition resumed in November Vieira on Wednesday reiterated that Brazil will recognise Maduro’s government He also stated his intention to place Brazil’s embassy “next tothegovernment that exists, the government that was elected” – meaning

Maduro’s Meanwhile, Guaido’s ambassador to Brazil, Maria Teresa Belandria, is reportedly preparing to leave the country. She was recognised as Venezuela’s official representative in Brazil underBolsonaro.

As leftist figures are being voted into power across South America, including Lula in Brazil and Gustavo Petro in Colombia, many have moved to ease relationswithVenezuelathat werestrainedunderprevious conservativegovernments.

Colombia announced it wouldrestorefulldiplomatic relations with Venezuela in August,asthecountriesseek greatercollaborationinareas such as trade and security in regionsaroundtheborder

PetrometwithMaduroin early November – the first meeting between their respective heads of state in years They have also reopened their shared border to trade in an effort to facilitate economic relations.TopofForm

US politics, Canada’s multiculturalism, South America’s geopolitical rise we bring you the storiesthatmatter

Washington D C 13 December 2022 – The implementation of the Pan A m e r i c a n H e a l t h Organization’s (PAHO) Elimination Initiative must be accelerated to get back on track towards the 2030 goals in the Americas, concluded regional experts at the latest meeting of the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Disease Elimination (STAGDE).

The meeting, held in Atlanta, USA, on 29-30 November brought together public health experts in policy, primary health care, epidemiology, research and i n f e c t i o u s d i s e a s e management to discuss the statusoftheinitiative,which aims to rid the Americas of 35 communicable diseases and related conditions by 2030.

“ C o m m u n i c a b l e diseases know no borders, which is why a cohesive, regional effort towards disease elimination is so crucial, especially as we get into the post pandemic phase” Dr Massimo Ghidinelli, Director Ad Interim for Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health at

PAHO said. “Over the past 3 years, we have seen how countries in our region have workedtogethertotacklethe COVID-19 pandemic and we need to build on this momentum to get the Elimination Initiative back ontrack.”

To recover gains lost during the pandemic and contribute towards the timely achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3, the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group advised PAHO on the followingsteps:

Advocate for disease elimination at country, regionalandgloballevels;

Improve the quality of national and subnational data;

Integrate elimination endeavors into established services designed to address theneedsofpopulations;

Engage academic, research institutions, governments and civil society to better inform the development of elimination tools;and

D o c u m e n t t h e implementation of the initiative to help support resource mobilization efforts.

EliminationInitiative

T h e E l i m i n a t i o n initiative is a major strategic and political opportunity for governments, partners, civil society, academia, the p r i v a t e s e c t o r a n d communities to eliminate more than 35 communicable diseases and related conditions in the Americas by2030.

T h e E l i m i n a t i o n Initiative sets out four strategic lines of action: integrationofhealthsystems and services to facilitate a comprehensive approach to m u l t i p l e d i s e a s e s , particularly at the primary care level; strengthening of disease surveillance and information systems to monitor progress toward elimination; addressing social and environmental determinants of health; and strengthening governance, financing, and leadership in ministriesofhealth.

The initiative recognizes thatdiseaseeliminationdoes not depend solely on the healthsectorbutrequiresthe engagement of other actors, both inside and outside government, with clear definition of roles and responsibilities.

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Nigerian citizen shot after disarming and wounding...

From page 20 Presidential Security Officer for his act of courage and wish him a speedy and full recovery,” the High Commission said in a statement.

The Private Sector Commission of Guyana (PSC) also condemned “in the highest regard, the attack that occurred at the official residence of the President of Guyana –State House.” “The PSC congratulates the President’s Security Forces for a highly effective and controlled re-

sponse which saw the apprehension of the suspect.

The effective and well-coordinated response of the armed forces also saw the situation being de-escalated quite quickly and no further injuries resulting,” the PSC statement said.

Similarly, the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc) also condemned “the attack at State House” while calling for a “thorough investigation and condign action against all involved in

such a dastardly act at the first family’s residence”.

“The R3PSInc commends the Presidential security for their controlled response, arrest of the perpetrator, and prevention of significant casualties,” the entity said while noting that, “the President now has to reassess his security protocol”.

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) said it was “horrified” to learn of the incident but was “gladdened to

learn that the President and his family were safe” while wishing the injured Presidential Guard “a full and speedy recovery.”

“The FITUG like many Guyanese wonders what could be the motivations for the attack.

We do trust it is an isolated incident and not connected to any larger plot.

At this time, we join with all Guyanese in praying for peace and tranquillity for all citizens,” the statement said.

Govt. to move application, payment for vehicle...

From page 12 to establish with MMG and our people [home affairs ministry], is to establish a way for people to put in their application online, verifying that application, having the payment being made for the application, and with a reduction in paper and [with the] verification of payment, and the approval, which will then be forwarded to the police and the applicant, this [process] will

also identify the period for which the tint permit is valid for [when approved]”, the minister said.

He added that, “The verification process tends to cause unnecessary delays because applicants fail to submit all the relevant information and, in many cases, submit incorrect information.”

The Motor Vehicle Traffic Act allows the permitting

of 35 percent light penetration into the vehicle, which can be measured by a tintometer. This permissible percentage of tint is compliant with the law, which requires that a person looking from outside, must be able to recognise all individuals in the vehicle without difficulty. If a vehicle fails the required level or the light penetration, the certifying officer can revoke the tint permit which could lead to the

prosecution of the driver.

The Road Traffic Offence Act, Regulation 103 (A) 2, also allows for two demerit points to be added to a person’s driver’s licence for the use of prohibited tint. Where the demerit points accumulated by a person amount to 10 or more, but less than 16, the period of disqualification, from holding or obtaining a driver’s license is six months. (DPI)

Countries of the Region reaffirm commitment to promote...

From page 15 Management and Programme Analysis of ECLAC; Jozef Maeriën, Chief of the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); and Francisca Perales, Undersecretary of Social Services of Chile, the country serving as Chair of the Regional Intergovernmental Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons.

“This Conference has given us the opportunity to participate in very rich debates and exchanges.

policy recommendations. We conclude this meeting with an ambitious and demanding work agenda. We leave with the satisfaction of having approved the Santiago Declaration, which is the result of the will to reach agreement between our countries,” he emphasized.

the Santiago Declaration, the country delegates in attendance highlighted the vital role of the Regional Conference as an intergovernmental space for the systematic process of voluntary regional appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing.

programs, to implement specific policies for older persons with a rights-based, gender, intersectional, intercultural and life-cycle approach, and to promote their autonomy and independence,” the document indicates.

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The country representatives have informed us about progress in the legislative realm, but also about the need to strengthen the institutions in charge of matters relating to older persons.

To that end, it is necessary to maintain intersectoral and inter-agency coordination that would give greater impact to the policies geared towards older persons,” said Raúl García-Buchaca, ECLAC’s Deputy Executive Secretary, adding that universal social protection coverage for older persons is a sure way to overcome inequality in ageing.

Jozef Maeriën, Chief of UNFPA’s Regional Office, called for action that would allow for “tackling the structural inequalities and social discrimination that excludes older persons, exposes them to poverty, to violence and to phenomena such as climate change, hindering the full guarantee of their rights.”

Undersecr etary Francisca Perales, meanwhile, stressed the need to move towards the care society in order to ensure dignified ageing, and she emphasized the importance of coordination between the institutional framework and social organizations and movements to guarantee the dignity and well-being of society as a whole.

“Pursuing well-being also involves pursuing people’s happiness,” she declared. In

They also recognized that access to justice is an essential human right and the fundamental instrument for guaranteeing that older persons are able to exercise and effectively defend their rights, and they emphasized the diverse and key contributions of older persons to the functioning of our societies.

In that regard, the Santiago Declaration calls for adopting effective measures to combat age-based discrimination and for eliminating the difficulties and obstacles that remain in the region and that undermine older persons’ participation in political, social, economic and cultural life as well as their human rights.

“We call upon governments to mainstream the issue of ageing in their development policies, plans and

The Declaration also calls upon States to recognize the digital divide that affects older persons, and it reaffirms the commitment to the development of universal, comprehensive, sustainable and resilient social protection systems that would allow guaranteed access, without discrimination, to quality health, housing and basic services. Furthermore, it recognizes the crucial role of civil society organizations, the private sector and academia in the implementation, follow-up, evaluation and dissemination of the Madrid Plan.

The Regional Intergovernmental Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons in Latin America and the Caribbean for 2022-2027 is composed of Chile as Chair along with Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay and Peru as Vice Chairs.

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“We at ECLAC will continue to collaborate with the inter-agency working groups on ageing and we will continue working on the production of data and updated knowledge about ageing and older persons’ rights with

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KN robbery suspects to spend Christmas in jail

The men accused of carryingoutadaringrobbery at Kaieteur News’ Saffon Street, Charlestown office back in October were on Thursday further remanded to prison until January 19, 2023.

Those on remand are: Ryan Wharton, 33, a former Kaieteur News Research Assistant of R4-574 Canary S t r e e t , T u c v i l l e , Georgetown, 35-year-old JoshuaJunor,KaieteurNews Security Guard of Middle Road, La Penitence, 25-

passengers to the location. that were stolen. The two sixthsuspect,Haywood,was year-old Ivor Belingie called Belingieenteredthebuilding men loaded it into the car, contacted and given the ‘WildLife’ of Back Circle, and held their accomplice which was parked just s t o l e n f i r e a r m a n d East Ruimveldt, 23-year-old Junor, as well as the other outside the Kaieteur News ammunition to keep. He Lemuel Grant, a clerk of security guard on duty, and office,andthenescapedwith reportedly hid them in his Russell Street, Charlestown thegraphicartistatgunpoint, Belingie Junor remained backyard. and 36-year-old Harry while Wharton and and waited until his Investigators were able Stongster of Hyde Park, Stongster headed upstairs of accomplices were a safe to crack the case after Timehri, East Bank the two-storey building and distance away before individuals were able to Demerara(EBD). broke the door of the contacting his superiors to identify Wharton as one of

The defendants appeared company’s Accounts inform them that he and his thebanditsseeninfootageof virtually before Chief Department. colleagues had been robbed the robbery As it relates to Magistrate Ann McLennan They also broke a of cellphones and $5000 France, he was reportedly a t t h e G e o rg e t o w n drawer, stole petty cash and cash. thesuspectwhoprovidedthe Magistrates’ Courts. During fetched out the safe which After splitting up the firearm that was used to the hearing, the prosecution contained the other items cash at Wharton’s home, a carryouttherobbery disclosed video evidence being armed with a News office and stole a safe andphotographsoftheitems dangerous weapon, the containing millions of that were recovered to the defendants robbed Kaieteur dollars along with a firearm defence. News owned by Glenn Lall and ammunition. Wharton

Grant addressed the of $38.8 million, a Republic was the first to be arrested. court seeking bail on the Bank cheque valued at $9.1 While in custody, he grounds that he has been on million, US$9,306, one reportedly confessed to remand for the past two black .32 Taurus pistol serial plottingthecrimewithJunor months “suffering in jail.” number FHS60749 valued who was one of two security The lawyer for Junor and $350,000, ammunition guards who were on duty Stongster also made another valued at $480,000, one duringthecommissionofthe attempt to secure bail for her firearm case valued at robbery–andseveralothers. clients. $25,000, two handles valued According to police, However, the Chief at $10,000 and six Wharton and Junor had Magistrate once again magazines valued at confessed to planning and denied the bail applications $60,000. The charge also carrying out the crime while on the grounds of the gravity stated that the men allegedly their accomplices admitted of the offence, the robbed Noel Junor, the other to playing their roles as well. prevalence and public security guard who was on Wharton and Junor had interest. duty of $5000 and Wayne reportedly been planning to

Magistrate McLennan Lyttle, a graphic artist, who rob the company a while also reminded the lawyer was also on duty, of one back but had only finalised that with the recently passed cellular phone valued at their scheme the Sunday Bail Act of 2022, if they are $44,000. morningpriortotherobbery not satisfied with the court’s Moreover, Collis T h e y c o n t r a c t e d decision to deny bail, they Haywood, 40, a chef of Lot Stongster and Belingie to be can approach the High Court R2-578 Canary Street, their accomplices and for bail.The matter was then Tucville and Kevin France, borrowed a Toyota Spacio adjourned to next year and 35, a taxi driver of East motorcar from Grant to the matter was transferred to Ruimveldt, Georgetown are transport them to and from C o u r t Tw o , S e n i o r the two other suspects who theKaieteurNewsoffice. Magistrate Leron Daly, for a were charged separately for During the wee hours of datetobesetfortrial. the role they played in the October 10, they put their Kaieteur News had crime. plan into motion Junor reported that between According to reports, turned up for work duties October9,2022andOctober during the wee hours of early while Wharton drove 10, 2022 at Lot 24 Saffon Monday, October 10, three the borrowed car with Street, Charlestown, while bandits entered the Kaieteur Stongster and Belingie as

Guyana, UAE partner on coding initiative

% 150,000 Guyanese being trained as online coders

The Government of Guyana haspartneredwiththeUnitedArab Emirates (UAE) to launch the GuyanaCodersInitiative(GCI),as the administration moves to transformthenationintoahubfor Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The inaugural undertaking, which opened at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) 0Wednesday, will see some 150,000 Guyanese being trainedasonlineascoders.Coding, widely known as computer programming, is the process of performing a particular calculation, usually by designing and buildinga workable computer programme.

Wednesday’s launch also saw thefrontoftherace,”DrAlitolda That is why we are not only going Ali said the support of the UAE is becauseitembodiesonecollective the official opening of the GCI large gathering of students, to government schools and outstanding and its level of vision by both nations in website Keynote speaker, teachersandparents. institutions; we have opened this commitment backed by action exchanging government President,Dr MohamedIrfaanAli, “This step is about you taking up to the private sector We want must be applauded The experiences with impactful said the move towards nurturing our country forward in 2030 and corporate Guyana to open your governments are also in talks to outcomes,”Lootahstated. localdigitaltalentswillensurethe beyond, ensuring that you are offices after work and welcome introducesoftwaredevelopmentas He said the UAE remains countryassumesafirmpositionto c o m p e t i t i v e , r e s i l i e n t , children from the community to a core component in the local highly connected with the match the evolving technological functional… ensuring that we as be part of this programme school system ahead of the objective of the government world. He said the world will be a country have the tools that will utilising your facilities.” Going economy in 2030. Meanwhile, exchange experience programme completely different in 2030 and takeusforward,andoureconomy forward,thepresidentsaidGuyana Director General of the Office of whichalreadyhasarecordofsome beyond, and it is his is among the strongest,” thehead will be willing to work as a hub the Prime Minister of UAE, His 19 participating countries administration’s responsibility to of state added In 2021, where persons within the Excellency, Abdulla Lootah said Minister of Education, Priya preparecitizensforthechange. approximately26.9millionpeople Caribbean Community the innovative project is worth Manickchandpointedout thatthe “Todayisimportant,itisabout worldwide were software (CARICOM) could benefit from celebrating and presents a new programme caters to more than what Guyana 2030 will be and developers This number is theinitiative. milestoneofapartnershipbetween 150,000personstolearncomputer must be. The next eight years are expected to rise to 45 million by “Because as I said before, we thetwostates. programming, despite their age, very important years for Guyana, 2030. take our regional responsibility The Memorandum of race and geographical location. A we are starting way behind the Against this backdrop, the seriously and our prosperity must Understanding (MoU) was signed certificate will be issued upon race, and if we are to adjust president emphasised his leadtoregionalprosperity.Wewill inMarch2022followingaseriesof completion of the programme and ourselvesinthisraceinastraight- government’s commitment to workonopeningtheplatformand engagements, workshops and will be recognised by the UAE. line manner, we will be way ensuring that a good portion of relationshipsoallthecountriesin high-level field visits with Minister within the Ministry of behind for decades to come. So, Guyanese be part of this group. CARICOM can benefit from this representatives of both countries. Public Works, Deodat Indar we are taking a big leap to fight at “And this gives you that first step. coding initiative,” he noted. Dr “Our collaboration is also pivotal chairedtheevent.(DPI)

OP:ED Say it isn’t so, Mr. Jagdeo

GHKLall we are of each other’s apart Naturally, the

“Every time I come to a Press Conference, it is on racism, the Stabroek Block etc.Thereisnoproperpolicy discussion Every time I come, it is the same question.”

presence,andifandwhenwe assumption is that he can

don’t,thenwhatdowehave respond to such questions

left to carry us forward? If honestly Tocutafinerpoint projects, but for his own himself to swallowing his we were not compatible to this, the VP doesn’t want easons let both pass own words about the vile before the gushing riches of to talk about racism, so he untouched. essences of the Coalition’s oil,thenthediscoveryofthat bowls over inquirers. My

Now, there is the criminal contract His precious commodity just own interest is how he fifthprojecttobeclosed record speaks to this, not I. Thosewordswere madetotalenemiesofusall. responds publicly (or in out in weeks, and he If it was so treasonous, such uttered by Guyana’s Vice Regardlessofthequestioner, closed sessions) to the shrinks from doing his arevulsionthen(anditwas), President when pressed for the issue of racism is a consistent mentioning of duty by Guyanese what makes it wholesome a n s w e r s o n o i l s h o w s t o p p e r a n d

INCLUSION by US

Meaning, he must now? So, when the VP developments, plans, and so gamechanger in Guyana. It Ambassador Sarah Ann cultivate the courage recoils in horror and full forth. Isharemyreactions. cannotbeavoided,cannotbe Lynch, and others of the and the use Uaru as body trembling from The VP can refuse any minimized by sweeping highest standing from her leverage and make it the speaking to, addressing, and question. But then what do under the carpet, and by country steppingstoneforthesixth making Guyanese aware of we have in him, this former pretending that it doesn’t Surely,heisnotgoingto one(andtheothers)waiting his objectives for instance, president,asaleader? What exist,thatalliswell. shutherdown! Becauseshe in line. What he would be with reference to the dowehaveforagovernment Therefore,anytablingof persists,itcanbeinterpreted

asking for Guyanese is StabroekBlock,itdoesn’tgo if it retreats from the questions about racism in that there is a racial gap, reasonable, eminently fair: away, but only generates handiwork as repulsive, a paramountissuesoftheday? Guyana,theissueitself,rises considerablyso. Itinvolves money, as in 10% royalty more interest, more monstrous disfigurement of I ask this in the context of toamorefeveredpitchbyits manythings,butmostlythis and 10% taxes, plus the rest misgivings, and more Guyana. Now, it is his turn those three words of such very denial by the Vice ballooning oil patrimony I inhisnewPSA. Itisnotan distrustregardinghowmuch to right in little steps all the unequalled importance President. He should never hearshareitmoreequitably arm and a leg, and Exxon he may be up to his neck in, wrongs inflicted on Guyana locally I repeat the VP: fear it, once his government For this to happen, we have still makes money by the and where this leaves all of via the 2016 contract with “racism” and Stabroek is on solid grounds, with togetmore.

tankerloadfromGuyana. Guyana. Exxon. TheVPhimselfsaid Block ” The VP may record to match; he should This introduces the

WhentheVPbalksfrom It is wiser for the VP to it was bad; it is his vehemently disagree, but not flinch nor retreat I StabroekBlock. Morefrom doing this, lashes out face the music (questions) opportunitytodogood. racism and the Stabroek quietlyrecommendtotheVP the same loaded Stabroek

bullyingly at interrogators, thansettleforthethunderof

He has his new draft Block are at the pinnacle of to let the questions stir and Blockthatothershavemade he subjects himself to muchsoundandfury,which PSA, but clearly it doesn’t theinterestsofcitizens. The flourish so that we can their priority, and of which suspicions and conclusions makeshimlooksmaller,and apply to the oil-swamped first has to do with how honestlygettothebottomof the VP himself has

much worse than those lesser in many more areas, StabroekBlock,ifIreadthe compatibleandhowtolerant the plague that splits us denounced the Coalition’s already harbored about him, things.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali launches Guyana Coders Initiative on Wednesday

By

VPaccurately TheVPhad hisleadership,hisstandards.

golden openings before in Ineffect,hewouldstandfor

the third and fourth oil nothing since he reduces

GHKLall

Ramtahal 5-for wrecks Guyana

…Ramdeholl gets 4 wickets for 5 runs in a losing cause for Guyana

Trinidad and Tobago (TT) off-spinner Shaan Ramtahal’s five-wicket haul wrecked Guyana to lead his team to a 3-wicket victory in the third match of the Bilateral/ Goodwill series yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Guyana had earlier made 90 all out in 37.4 overs. Newcomer Khush Seegobin top scored with 20, and Ethan Silas scored 12 as only two batsmen got into double figures. Shaan Ramtahal was the chief destroyer again for

TT with impressive figures of 5 for 21 of 8 accurate overs. Ramtahal now has 11 wickets in the three matches played so far. Tyler Ramroop and Aiden Owen had a wicket each.

In reply, TT got to their target of 91 in 28 overs. Vicecaptain Mikaeel Ali, who looks a lot like West Indies star batsman, Nicholas Pooran, scored a shot-filled 37 off only 39 balls, decorated with 4 fours and 2 well-struck sixes. Ramtahal returned with the bat to score 9 not out

under pressure. With four runs required for victory, it was Ramtahal who fittingly ended the match with a boundary through the leg side. Richard Ramdeholl was again among the wickets for Guyana with outstanding figures of 4 for 5 off 8 miserly overs in a losing cause.

The fourth and final match of the Bilateral/Goodwill series will be played tomorrow, Saturday, December 17, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from 10:00 hours.

Friday December 16, 2022

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

There's an important lesson to learn today, Aries, so don't shy away from the classroom. It's important to control your attitude now or it's likely to control you. It could be that your ego is a bit too inflated

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Consider the romantic relationships in your life right now, Taurus. It's important to remember that regardless of how hot and steamy a partnership is at first,

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Today is your day to become a hero, Gemini. You don't have to be dressed in fancy tights and a cape to make an important difference in someone's life.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

There's a great deal of fun to be had today, Cancer. Money isn't always necessary to make this happen, however. In fact, money isn't a great way to keep score.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Remember that the important thing isn't necessarily what you're doing but the people you're with, Leo. There's a great deal of passion in the air today that you can latch onto and put to good use.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

You could learn a tough lesson today, Virgo. More than likely, the harder the message hits you, the more important it was for you to hear. It's important that you accept failure gracefully.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

There's a great deal of fuel to keep your fire raging today, Libra. Powerful situations are apt to come your way in which you're asked to take decisive action. Don't shy away from added responsibility.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Remember that one wrong move today could cause you to have a headache for a good long while, Scorpio. Don't take uncalculated risks. There's dynamism and confidence in the air.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) It's a long road to becoming exactly the person you want to be, Sagittarius. You can't change who you are. Input from every person you know and lessons from every bump in the road.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You should always leave a loved one with loving words, Capricorn. Each time you exit a room, consider that you're never going to enter that room again. Perhaps you'll never see those people again.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Just when you think you have absolutely no energy left, you're able to kick into a higher gear. Push beyond your limits today, Aquarius. You'll find that you can achieve a great deal.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Regardless of how you feel today, Pisces, it's important to own up to your mistakes. Keep in mind that you're responsible for your actions. No matter how much you might want to shrink away,

Shaan Ramtahal collects his award from Colin Stuart for his Third Match performance.

Morocco protest about semi-final referee

BBC Sport - Morocco’s football federation (FMRF) has protested to world governing body Fifa about the refereeing during Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final defeat by defendingchampionsFrance inQatar

The FMRF is unhappy that Mexican referee Cesar Ramos failed to award a penalty in the first half to the North Africans when Theo Hernandez made contact with Sofiane Boufal in the area.

Instead of awarding a spot-kick, which several neutralsfeltwasappropriate, Ramos instead booked

wingerBoufalforafoul.

The Moroccans were also unhappy that the hauling down of substitute SelimAmallahasheawaited the delivery of a set-piece also failed to prompt another lookfromofficials.

The first African and ArabteamtocontestaWorld Cup semi-final, Morocco lost2-0afteranearlygoalby left-back Hernandez was followedbyalatestrikefrom substitute Randal Kolo Muani “The FMRF has written to the relevant body to review the refereeing decisions that deprived the Moroccan team of two penalties that were

indisputable in the view of s e v e r a l r e f e r e e i n g specialists,” the Moroccan ruling body said in a statement.

“The FMRF was equally astonished that the video assistant referee (VAR) did notreacttothesesituations.”

The lack of VAR intervention mystified some of those working as pundits duringthegame.

“It looked like a penalty toMoroccoforme-VARnot working,” asked former EnglandstrikerChrisSutton, who attended the game for domesticBritishradio.

It was an analysis with which former England

defender Rio Ferdinand agreed.

“I thought it was a penalty on Sofiane Boufal, rather than a foul by him,”

the former Manchester United player, working as a televisionpundit,said.

BBC Sport Africa has contacted Fifa for comment regarding the Moroccan protest.

TheAtlasLionsstillhave one game left in Qatar when they take on Croatia in

Saturday’s third-place playoff.

Having already defied expectations by overcoming Belgium,SpainandPortugal en route to the last four, the AtlasLionscannowbecome the firstAfrican team to ever take an effective bronze medalattheWorldCup.

GBA Terrance Ali National Open Boxing championship starts today

The much anticipated Terrance Ali National Open Boxing championship returns with three nights of fisticfuryfromtoday16thto 18th December, 2022 at the National Gymnasium, MandelaAvenue. This event will be the last statutory boxing competition for 2022.

Terrance Ali National Open Boxing Championship closestheyearinspectacular manner with the boxers who come out on top guaranteed prize money Atotal 72 in all categories have registered and were at the weigh in yesterday

The weigh-in process was held yesterday into last evening, a night filled with feisty ordeals as the boxer’s exuded confidence All athletes geared and ready to complete after a two year break in competition due to Covid 19. From the looks of things fans can expect good, clean competition Three

nights of punches in bunches.

This year’s competition proclaimed to be the biggest National Open Boxing championship since its existence where, winners in the Elite division, winning Gold, Silver and Bronze medal walking away with heftymonetaryprizes.

President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle was praised by both coach and athletes forthisfirst-rateinitiative.

This competition promises to be star-studded affair with some the best local and international boxers in the region on display over the three night contest which will include Desmond Amsterdam, Keevin Allicock and Colin Lewis who were among thosepresentattheweighin.

Action starts 17:00hrs today, ending on Sunday night with the finals. Be theretocatcheverypunch.

Colin Lewis weighs in at the Gymnasium yesterday

Referee Cesar Ramos booked Sofiane Boufal following a challenge by Theo Hernandez (Getty Images)

Stephen Curry injured as Golden State Warriors lose again

BBC Sport - Stephen Curry suffered a shoulder injury as NBA champions the Golden State Warriors’ indifferent season continued with a 125-119 defeat away totheIndianaPacers.

Curry had a gamehigh 38 points when he was hurt attempting a steal in the third quarter Curry will have a scan o n t h e i n j u r y o n Thursday, said coach Steve Kerr

“Maybe it’s going to get tougher if Steph is out for a little while,” added Kerr after a 15th defeat in 29games.

The Warriors, who are seeking a fifth title in nine season, lie 10th in the Western Conference

“My message to the group was it’s about competing, it’s about weathering the storm,” Kerr added. “This has been a tough start to the season. We’reinatoughstretch.”

Curry suffered a shoulder injury as he attempted to strip the ball from Indiana’s Jalen Smith as the Pacer drove to the hoop. (Getty Images)

SportsMax - Akeal Hosein and Andre Russell played key roles in the Melbourne Renegades openingits Big Bash League season with a 22-run win over Brisbane Heat at Cairns onThursday.

Hosein took 3-15 in helping restrict Brisbane Heat to 144-6 in search of Melbourne Renegades’1667 from their respective 20 overs.

Russell, meanwhile, smashed 35 that set up Renegades’ match-winning score.

The Warriors were trailing 93-80 when Curry, who has averaged 30 points this season, departed the court.

A pair of Donte DiVincenzo three-pointers pulled them back to within 122-119 with a little over a minutetoplay But ultimately the Pacers, for whom Tyrese Haliburton top-scored with 29points,heldon.

Elsewhere, two-time reigning NBA Most

ValuablePlayerNikolaJokic scored 43 points to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 141128winovertheWashington Wizards.

Paul George managed a triple double of 17 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists to help the Los Angeles Clippers to a 99-88 win over t h e M i n n e s o t a Timberwolves.

After Brisbane Heat’s captain Jimmy Pearson won the toss and chose to field, Renegades’ openers Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper gotofftoaflyerscoring65at better than 10 runs an over beforeHarperwasdismissed for 21 in the seventh over by JamesBazley,whotook2-19 inthematch.

From 65-1, Melbourne slipped to 78-4 by the 10th over before Maddinson and Russell carved out a fifthwicket partnership of 78 before the former was

dismissed by Matthew Kuhnemann in the 18th over for87.

Hosein barely troubled the scorers and was out for one to Bazley’s final ball of the 19th that yielded only three runs as Melbourne struggled to close out on a high. Russell lost his wicket off the first ball of the 20th leaving Melbourne to limp towardstheirtotalof166.

Kuhnemann was the best of the Brisbane bowlers with 3-32.

Hosein struck almost immediately in the Brisbane chase removing openers Josh Brown for seven and Max Brian for a duck as the Heat struggled early on 11-2

inthethirdover Russell dismissed the dangerous Sam Billings for six in the seventh over to have the Heat in further troubleat34-3.

However, Colin Munro andJimmyPearsonsetabout a recovery putting together a fourth-wicket partnership of 54 that was broken when Munrowasrunoutfor35.

Hoseindeliveredanother crucial blow when he bowled Pearson for 43 in the 15th over with the Heat still needing from 33 balls for victory

RossWhitelyandBazley added41forthesixthwicket but were unable to score at therequiredrate.

Hosein shines with ball, Russell with bat as Melbourne Renegades beat Brisbane Heat by 22 runs

Russell and Hosein high-five during the Melbourne Renegades’ victory over Brisbane Heat. (Melbourne Renegades)

Fraser-Pryce congratulates Kambundji on Sportswoman of the Year Award

SportsMax - Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Mujinga Kambundji might be rivals on the track, but the former was among the first to congratulate the latter on Monday after the Swiss star won her first FemaleAthlete oftheYearAward.

T h e 3 0 - y e a r - o l d Kambundji had a stellar year in 2022 winning the World Indoor 60m dash in a national record 6.96, a time tied with Merlene Ottey’s as thefourth-fastestinhistory She won the 200m at the European championships andwasaclosesecondinthe 100m. She was fifth in the final of the 100m at the W o r l d A t h l e t i c s Championships in Eugene, OregoninJulywhereFraserPryce won a recordextendingfifthtitle.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

Kambundji was also eighth in the 200m final won by Shericka Jackson. FraserPrycewonthesilvermedal.

O n M o n d a y , Switzerland’s fastest woman posted about her latest achievement.

“Sportswoman of the Year Thank you for your support and congratulations toallthenominees.”

Shortly thereafter, the

Jamaican superstar and athletics icon, fierce on the track but affable off it, replied“Congrats.”

The two will renew their rivalry in Budapest next summer when Fraser-Pryce goes after a sixth world 100m title and Kambundji makes another attempt to get onto the podium of track and f i e l d ’ s p r e m i e r championship.

Deschamps quizzed on possible Benzema return for World Cup final

SportsMax - Didier Deschamps was quizzed on whether Karim Benzema could make a sensational France return for the World C u p f i n a l a g a i n s t Argentina.

Benzema was ruled out of the tournament in Qatar due to a thigh injury, but it has been reported that he couldfeaturefortheholders when they attempt to retain

theircrownonSunday

Les Bleus beat Morocco 2-0onWednesdaytosetupa sh o w d o w n w i t h L a Albiceleste at Lusail Stadiumthisweekend.

France head coach Deschamps refused to say whether Ballon d’Or winner Benzema may play a part in the final after returning to training with RealMadrid.

He said after a lengthy pause:“Idon’treallywantto answerthatquestion. Next question. I do apologise.”

Benzema has made only 12 appearances for Madrid this season due to injury.

Goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani put France in anotherWorldCupfinal

Boris Becker: Former Wimbledon champion released after serving eight months

BBC Sport - Former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker has been released from prison after serving eight months of his sentence for hiding £2.5m worth of assets and loans to avoid payingdebts.

The 55-year-old German was jailed for two and a half years in April after being found guilty of four charges undertheInsolvencyAct.

He was released from prison on Thursday morning andhasflowntoGermany

The BBC understands Becker has been deported fromtheUnitedKingdom.

His Berlin-based lawyer, Christian-OliverMoser,said in a statement Becker “was released from custody in England and has left for Germanytoday”.

Becker flew from Biggin Hill in a private jet chartered by a friend, a government sourcetoldtheBBC.

A H o m e O f f i c e spokesperson told BBC Sport: “Any foreign national who is convicted of a crime and given a prison sentence

of prison sentence

Boris Becker won six Grand Slam singles titles, including threeat Wimbledon. (Getty Images)

is considered for deportation attheearliestopportunity.”

Becker qualifies for automatic deportation as a foreign national who does not have British citizenship and received a custodial sentence of more than 12 months.

Becker has lived in the UK since 2012, having retiredfromplayingin1999.

He won six Grand Slam singles title, including three at Wimbledon, during his 15-yearcareer

He was declared bankrupt in June 2017 over an unpaid loan of more than £3m on his estate in Mallorca, Spain Becker

went on trial earlier this year having been accused of hiding millions of pounds worth of assets to avoid payinghisdebts.

He was ultimately found guilty of four charges relating to his bankruptcy butwasacquittedofafurther 20. It was reported that Becker was initially held at WandsworthPrisoninsouthwest London before being moved to Huntercombe PrisoninMay

He previously worked as aBBCpunditonWimbledon and spent three seasons coaching 21-time major singles champion Novak Djokovic.

has congratulated Mujinga Kambundji on winning Athlete of the Year Award.

All-round Kuldeep puts India on top in first Bangladesh Test

Usain Bolt to receive BBC Sports Personality Lifetime Achievement Award

AFP - Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav shone with both bat and ball as India plunged Bangladesh into serioustroubleonthesecond day of the first Test in Chittagongyesterday

Bangladesh collapsed to 133-8 at stumps with Kuldeep picking up 4-33 after his 40 made a vital contribution to India’s first inningstotalof404runs.

Mehidy Hasan, 16 not out, and Ebadot Hossain, 13 not out, survived the day but Bangladesh still needed 71 runstoavoidafollow-on.

Mohammad Siraj ripped t h e h e a r t s o u t o f Bangladesh’s top order with 3-14 before Kuldeep playing the series as a late

replacement for Ravindra Jadeja — mesmerised the home side with his left-arm spin.

Siraj dismissed Najmul Hossain on the first ball of the Bangladesh innings as the hosts made the worst possible start in reply to India’s total and Umesh Yadav complemented his efforts by bowling Yasir Ali forfourthreeoverslater

Liton Das offered some counter-punch with five fours, including three off consecutive balls from Umesh, before Siraj bowled him for 24. The paceman also claimed the wicket of debutantopenerZakirHasan for20.

Kuldeep struck off his

second ball, forcing

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan to give Virat Kohli a catch at slip for three, reducing Bangladesh to 755.

The 28-year-old spinner then removed Nurul Hasan (16), Mushfiqur Rahim (28) and Taijul Islam (0) to put Indiafirmlyincontrol.

Earlier,Indiawereallout in the second session after adding 126 runs to their overnight 278-6, with Bangladeshi off-spinner Mehidy finishing with 4-112 and left-arm spinner Taijul taking4-133.

Ravichandran Ashwin defied Bangladesh’s attack to hit 58, the third halfcentury in the India innings afterCheteshwarPujara’s90 andShreyasIyer’s86.

A s h w i n r e c e i v e d invaluable support from Kuldeep as the duo added 92 runsfortheeighthwicket.

Iyer resumed on 82 but missed out on a hundred as Ebadot bowled him in the eighthoverofthemorning.

Ebadot could have dismissed Iyer in his previous over had Liton not droppedthecatchatfineleg.

Iyer, who was dropped on 67 and miraculously survived being bowled by Ebadot on 77 when the bails failed to dislodge on the opening day, hit 10 fours in his192-ballinnings.

Scores: Bangladesh 133 for 8 (Mehidy 16*, Ebadot 13*) trail India 404 (Pujara 90, Iyer 86, Ashwin 58, Kuldeep 40, Mehidy 4-112, Taijul4-133)by271runs.

SportsMax - Usain Bolt, the greatest sprinter of all time, is to be honoured with the BBC Sports Personality Lifetime Achievement Award next week Wednesday at Media City in the United Kingdom, accordingtoreports.

Bolt,36,retiredin2017astheonly man to win the 100m and 200m at three consecutive Olympic Games and is the holder of the world record inbothsprints.

Those records of 9.58 and 19.19, respectively, were set at the 2009 Berlin World Championships. Bolt is alsoa11-timeworldchampion.

Bolt is a four-time winner of the prestigious Laureus Sportsman of the YearAward.

He was also Jamaica’s Sportsman of the Year on seven occasions and was five-time winner of World Athletics Sportsman of the Year Award.

Virat Kohli sets up to bucket a catch to dismiss Shakib Al Hasan. (Associated Press)

Usain Bolt, the greatest sprinter of all time, is to be honoured with the BBC Sports Personality Lifetime Achievement Award next week.

Mohammed Siraj helped India make early inroads. (AFP/Getty Images)

World Cup dreams shattered, Croatia and Morocco dust themselves off for bronze

DOHA, (Reuters) - As CroatiaandMoroccopickup the pieces after their World Cup semi-finals defeats, the two teams will welcome the prospect of potentially leavingQataronahighwhen they square up in the thirdplaceplayoffonSaturday

Beating two world class teams in Argentina and France to reach the final provedtobeasteptoofarfor Croatia and Morocco, who handsomely defied pretournamentoddstoreachthe semis.

Morocco rewrote history along the way when Walid Regragui’s fearless squad became the first African team to reach the last four of football’sshowpieceevent.

They will be welcomed home as heroes regardless of the result having not only earned the respect and support of the continent and the Arab world, but also having found a place in the hearts of neutral fans who loveatrueunderdogstory

Croatia and Morocco will face off in Qatar for a secondtimeafterplayingout a 0-0 draw in their group opener, just as in 2018 when Belgium and England met each other in the group stage andthird-placeplayoff.

“It will be difficult on a mental level. I will give opportunities to those who did not play and we will try to clinch third place,” Regraguisaid.

“The important thing is that we presented a good look to our team and that footballinMoroccoisnotfar fromthetoplevel.”

For 2018 runners-up Croatia, reaching a second consecutive final looked unlikely when they won just onegroupgame.Butthrough sheer graft and tenacity, two penalty shootout wins over Japan and favourites Brazil earned them a semi-final matchwithArgentina,where an in-form Lionel Messi was the architect of their destruction.

“Realistically speaking, before the start of the tournament, we would all have accepted reaching the semi-finals However, we started to dream about the trophy,” Croatia midfielder LovroMajersaid.

“Still, we will give everything we’ve got on Saturday and try to win the bronzemedal.”

F o r C r o a t i a i t represented an opportunity missedtocrowntheirgolden generation of players, with coach Zlatko Dalic confirming most of them will not play in the next World Cup “I told the players they need to keep their heads up, be proud of giving their maximum and be ready, we must prepare to fight for third place,” Dalic said. “There is no blame on ourguys,Icongratulatethem for everything they’ve done at this World Cup. Now we havetogetup,dustourselves off and try to win the bronze medal.”

The One Guyana President’s Cup continued on Wednesday evening, with R e g i o n 4 (Demerara/Mahaica) picking up three points, while the spoils were shared between Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) and 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) at the National Track and Field Centre.

Backed by ENet, the Region 10 side came to the West Demerara facility with a band of supporters, all deckedoutinoranget-shirts, branded by the country’s ‘EverythingNetwork’.

The match offered much for a crowd that came out early, with the game ending ina3-3stalemate.

Ntini Bobb scored an own goal, while Donavon Francis rocked the net twice forRegion10.DelroyFraser, Olvis Mitchell and Abunchi Benjamin were the goal scorersforRegion5.

Meanwhile, scores turned up at the lone track and field facility to witness the star-studded Region 4 team in action, but at the end of 90 minutes, plus stoppage time, everyone left with mixedemotions.

Region 4 defeated Region7(Cuyuni/Mazaruni) 6-1 in a drab encounter that endedinthefirsthalf.

Loadedwiththemajority of players that make up Guyana’s senior Men’s National football team – the Golden Jaguars – Region 4

outplayed Region 7 throughout the contest, with all of the goals coming in the firsthalf.

Omari Glasgow and Ryan Hackett netted a double, while Colin Nelson and Kelsey Benjamin accounted for the other two goals Mathew Simmons was the player that found the next for men from the Cuyuni/Mazaruniregion.

The One Guyana President’s Cup will continue today at the same

venue, with Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) hunting another victory, this time against R e g i o n 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam) from 8:30pm.

Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), who also picked up a win in their first match of the tournament, will play another team making their d e b u t , R e g i o n 8 (Potaro/Siparuni), from 6:00 pm.(RawleToney)

From page 31 being scored. A displaced custodian and lagging defenders left Bevon Jones, alone in front of goal, to finish with a comfortable headerinthe30thminute.

The second half was much tougher for Golden

Grove as their fitness withered quickly on the windy venue DFSS’s Kenwyn Percy (52’, 70’), Kemron Thomas (56’), Raydon Krammer (58’) and Carlito Joseph (60’) were all successful to put the victory waybeyonddoubt.

This tournament is sponsored by KFC, Tiger Offshore Rentals, MVP Sport, Trophy Stall, Guyana Beverages Inc and Demerara Life with support from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry ofCulture,YouthandSports.

Adrian Cabral (14) begins celebrations after scoring the equaliser for Annai, against CWSS.

Region 5 scorers (L-R) Olvis Mitchell, Delroy Fraser and Abumchi Benjamin

Region 4 scorers – (L-R), Colin Nelson, Ryan Hackett, Kelsey Benjamin and Omari Glasgow.

GHBJuniorsandSeniorsmapprogressafterTestseries

-FausetteadjudgedJuniorMVP

Guyana’s junior and senior male National Hockey Teams returned to Guyana earlier this week after both completing a fourmatch test series against t h e i r B a r b a d i a n counterparts. After playing to 1-1 stalemates in all three of their earlier encounters, the juniors dominated their finalmatch,4–1,butshould havewonbyalargermargin. While the seniors came within seconds of claiming a victory following a challengingtour Theseniors lost their first three matches

4 – 0, 1 – 0 and 2 – 0, respectively

National captain, Shakeem Fausette, was adjudged MVP of the junior series, while Guyana’s Frederico Cush received the award for the Most goals in theseries.

Commenting on the teams’ performances, National Coach Robert Fernandes said, “I think the fact that eight of our juniors gottheexperienceofplaying the senior matches, although very taxing physically, took their game to a whole new

level and it showed in the juniormatches.”

“The seniors had a tough start to the competition and were missing some key players in their earlier matches. In the first match we didn’t have Shakeem Fausette and Warren Williams only lasted a few minutes, both pulling up with cramps, so we sat them out for the second match also, and in the third match our best player Jamarj Assanah had to sit out with a leginjury,”hecontinued.

He added, “Sunday’s

match was the first time we hadallourplaymakersonthe field and the boys performed really well. The press was excellent and they had several quality circle entries and penalty corners We scored in the final quarter and got a penalty stroke which was saved by the Bajan Goalkeeper Barbados were awarded a penalty corner with seconds left on the clock, so when time expired they sent their entire team forward and were able toconvertforthe1-1draw.”

Fernandes went onto to

say, “The tour helped to expose some gaps in our individual techniques, skill sets and tactical awareness which we need to address in the coming months However, both teams have beenonanupwardtrajectory since they got to Barbados, putting out improved performances with every match.”

“Considering that our entire junior team and 14 members of our senior team made their international debuts on this trip, against a country ranked 45 places

above us in the world rankings, I think we achievedwhatwewentthere to do, gain international experience, learn from it and get better for the junior Pan Ams and CAC Games next year,”thecoachdisclosed.

The Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) wishes to thank their sponsors; the G u y a n a O l y m p i c Association, the National Sports Commission, Kestrel Guyana Inc., Sankar’s Auto Works,Guysons,andDyna’s Embroidery and Screen Prints.

The third edition of the KFC Goodwill Tournament commenced yesterday at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National TrainingCentreatProvidence,whereDesrey Fox Secondary School (DFSS) was the only team to claim maximum points in the double header

In the opening match of the Petra organisedevent,AnnaiSecondarydidwellto hold Christiansburg/Wismar Secondary School(CWSS)toa2–2draw,whichmeans the two teams from Group B each acquired one point from the result. The other team in theGroupisSt.Benedict’sCollege.

The encounter which followed, featured Desrey Fox (Waramadong) and Golden Grove, which was won by the former, 6 – 0. That victory propels DFSS to the top of Group A with three points, while Golden Grove and SVB Academy, are both on the starter’sline.

On Saturday, December 17, the competition continues at the same venue from14:00hrswithanotherdoubleheader.In

the curtain raiser, CWSS will tackle SVB Academy then St. Benedict’s go head-tohead with Golden Grove in the other showdownfrom16:00hrs.

Yesterday’s first match was an intriguing

draw that saw the Defending Champion, Annai, snatch an early lead when Narish Bartholomew found the back of the net in the f o u r t h m i n u t e . H o w e v e r, t h e

GuyOil/Tradewind Champion, CWSS,

pulled one back in the 13th minute, complimentsofAmaniKing.

The artificial turf allowed for quite a fast paced battle that had Annai effectively commanding ball possession for the majority of the encounter In the 33rd minute, Kelvin HintzengainedtheleadfortheLindenunitas thehalfrapidlyapproached.

Annai’s second half play was probing from any angle with clinical ball control. They were eventually rewarded with the equaliser when Adrian Cabral’s shot from open play just on top of the CWSS 18-yard box,piercedtheuprightsinthe56thminute.

The match revealed that the Hinterland team’s fitness was the key to their longevity of attacking with the long ball and switch sides. It was the same in the match that followed, added to the fact that Waramadong’s players were also physically strongerthattheGoldenGroveunit.

Golden Grove lost their shape very early inthefirsthalfwhichledtothefirstgoal

The Guyanese contingent and their accolades following the conclusion of their Barbados Test Tour

CWSS’s Kimani Field controls the ball in the mid-field against an Annai defender.

Part of the action in the first half between Desrey Fox Secondary (on ball) and Golden Grove Secondary at the GFF National Training Centre.

Desmond Amsterdam at the weigh in yesterday.

Keevin Allicock makes weight for the start of action tonight.